The thyroid is a body part many people know so little about yet plays such a significant role in daily wellbeing. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are causes for concern because too much or too little thyroid activity causes health issues. Since the thyroid controls much of your metabolism, it’s important to monitor its function to ensure you’re achieving optimal health.
What’s the difference between the two? Hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism in the United States, but both pose equally problematic health issues since the thyroid gland controls every aspect of your body’s metabolism. Symptoms between both thyroid conditions present polar opposite indicators.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your body makes too much of the thyroid hormones, thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which cause the thyroid to become overactive as a result. You may experience an increase of energy, weight loss, faster heart rate or hand tremors. Many people also tend to feel anxious with this condition.
Hypothyroidism causes a slowed production in the gland’s hormones which leads to a slowed metabolism as well. Symptoms of low thyroid include: slowed metabolism, weight gain, fatigue, sensitivity to cold, or feelings of depression. Having an underactive thyroid can seriously decrease or slow down your bodily functions.
Testing your thyroid levels is highly recommended. You should regularly test your thyroid levels because the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) tells your thyroid how much of the gland’s hormone it needs to produce. TSH, T4, and T3, can all be tested and balanced with a health care expert.
It’s important to understand the risks of thyroid imbalance during pregnancy. Thyroid hormones are vital for normal development of your baby’s brain and nervous system. During the first trimester, your baby relies on the supply of the thyroid hormone, which comes through the placenta. The baby’s thyroid doesn’t make enough of the gland’s hormone until 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. Thyroid imbalances can affect fertility, increase the risk of miscarriage, and impact the baby’s development.
Like many other factors pertaining to health, your lifestyle greatly impacts your thyroid. Consider adding supplements or foods containing iodine and selenium into your diet as these nutrients can help thyroid function and alleviate symptoms. Additionally, regular exercise, stress management techniques, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to better thyroid health. Taking care of your body is vital to the functioning of your organs and overall health- including the thyroid gland!
Have you been searching for an explanation for your symptoms? It could be an overactive or under active thyroid. There are natural treatment options such as naturally desiccated thyroid medication for certain thyroid conditions. Naturally desiccated thyroid medication is a thyroid hormone replacement drug used to treat hypothyroidism on an individual basis, and can be prescribed by a health care professional.
