The thyroid gland is one of the important endocrine glands. It is located in the neck. The essential function of the thyroid gland is to produce and regulate thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are necessary for regulating metabolism, growth, heart function, muscle control, and other vital bodily functions. There is one more critical hormone produced by the pituitary gland, which is situated in the brain, which is TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormone. This hormone regulates the functions of the thyroid gland.
Thyroid imbalance is a condition in which the thyroid gland secretes either too much or too little of its hormone, resulting in hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid gland secretes excessive amounts of hormone, it is known as hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid gland secretes less hormone, it is known as hypothyroidism.
Thyroid imbalance can produce various symptoms, as this gland is responsible for several essential bodily functions. Thyroid imbalance is commonly seen in women.
Types of Thyroid Imbalance
Hypothyroidism: In this condition, the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones, which causes the body to function slowly.
Typical forms of hypothyroidism are as follows:
- Primary hypothyroidism: It occurs when the cause is related to the thyroid gland, typically in Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditis or iodine deficiency.
- Secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism: It is a condition in which the problem is associated with the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, which regulate the thyroid gland. When a problem occurs in the main regulating gland, it causes the pituitary gland to function abnormally.
Hyperthyroidism: In this condition, the body produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormone. This condition is caused in cases of Graves’ Disease, which is an autoimmune condition, Toxic multinodular goitre, and thyroiditis caused by excess iodine or certain medications.
Thyroiditis is characterised by inflammation of the thyroid gland, caused by various conditions, including autoimmune conditions and infections.
Goitre and Thyroid Nodules: This condition is characterised by the enlargement of the thyroid gland or the development of nodules on the thyroid gland, which produce more thyroid hormones.
Causes and Risk Factors of Thyroid Imbalance
- Autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease, occur when the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland, resulting in abnormal thyroid function.
- Iodine imbalance can lead to thyroid imbalance because iodine is a crucial element in the production of thyroid hormones in the body.
- Thyroid diseases can run in families; hence, a person with a family history of thyroid disorder may develop thyroid problems.
- It is more common in women and older adults.
- Pregnancy can cause a temporary thyroid imbalance.
- External radiation, such as working in an X-ray room, can lead to conditions like thyroid problems.
- Autoimmune diseases, including Type 1 Diabetes mellitus, can cause thyroid imbalance.
Symptoms of Thyroid Imbalance
Let’s understand the common symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism | Hyperthyroidism |
Weight gain | Weight loss |
A person can not tolerate a cold atmosphere, cold conditions, or cold intolerance | A person can not tolerate heat or heat intolerance |
Fatigue | Sweating |
Constipation, hard, dry stool, fewer than three bowel movements per week | Diarrhoea or Loose, watery and frequent stools more than 3-4 times a day. |
Slow heart rate | Rapid or regular heart rate |
Heavy or irregular periods | Light or absence of periods |
Depression | Anxiety |
Fertility issues or problems conceiving naturally. | Fertility issues or problems in conceiving naturally. |
Additional signs like delayed reflexes or slow movements, puffiness of face or body, slow speech, high levels of cholesterol | Bulging eyes, muscle weakness, brittle bones, insomnia or lack of sleep |
Thyroiditis: In thyroiditis, pain is present in the thyroid gland, and symptoms of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism occur alternately.
Complications of Thyroid Imbalance
- Heart Diseases can be caused by hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
- Myxedema coma is a severe complication caused by severe hypothyroidism.
- Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism cause fertility issues.
Diagnosis of Thyroid Imbalance
- It is based on a detailed history of symptoms and physical examination by a Doctor,
- Blood tests, including Complete Blood Counts and Thyroid hormone profiles, which measure the levels of T3, T4, and TSH.
- X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans are used to visualise structural changes in diseases.
- Biopsy or Fine needle aspiration.
Treatment of Thyroid Imbalance
- Oral Medications
- Radioactive iodine therapy
- Surgical treatment, such as thyroidectomy or removal of a partial or complete part of the thyroid gland?
Diet and Lifestyle for Thyroid Imbalance
- Consume a balanced diet including all macronutrients and Micronutrients.
- Eat iodised salt.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Monitor stress levels and exercise regularly.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Do pranayam
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing thyroid imbalance, as it is a complex condition involving multiple bodily functions. Whenever you feel changes in weight, cold or heat sensitivity, digestion issues, hair loss, fatigue, etc., consider consulting a doctor at the earliest.