How Thyroid Hormones affect the body
The Thyroid Gland is butterfly-shaped, located in the middle of the neck, around the region commonly referred to as Adam’s apple (1). It performs several essential functions, including its primary role which is to secrete thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) that control the body’s metabolic rate. The metabolic rate is the speed at which the calories consumed are burnt in the body. This is done mainly by controlling the speed at which the cells, tissues, and organs work; thereby, controlling the major functions of the body, such as heart rate and breathing.
The condition of the thyroid gland affects hundreds of millions of people globally, including men, women, and teenagers, the elderly and even infants. However, according to Vanderpum (2019), thyroid diseases are 10 times more common in women than in men; with women having a 1 in 8 chance of suffering from a thyroid condition in their lifetime. The reason for this has been linked to genetic and hormonal differences between men and women (2).
Factors that increase the risk of developing a thyroid condition
- Family history
- High iodine intake causes the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones.
- Medications: Medications that increase or decrease blood iodine levels (Amiodarone, diet supplements)
- Age: Women above 60 years of age (post-menopause)
- Previous thyroid disease or receiving treatment for thyroid disease
- X-ray or radiation exposure to the neck region
- Certain medical conditions: are known as autoimmune diseases, whereby the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s cells, tissues, and organs. Including conditions such as diabetes, SLE, Sjogren’s, and much more. These autoimmune conditions are common in developed countries.
- Poor diets: Low iodine in the diet is responsible for most cases of thyroid disease in developing countries or mountainous regions away from the coast or sea. As a result, it is now common for countries to fortify salt with iodine to prevent iodine deficiency.
What are Hormones and their Functions?
Hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the stability of the body’s internal environment. These chemical messengers are secreted by the hormone-producing glands of the endocrine system such as the thyroid gland (3). Once these life-sustaining molecules enter the blood, they can travel through the blood and act on organs anywhere in the body. The core function of hormones is to ensure optimal internal conditions are maintained. They sustain life and facilitate mental and physical health and well-being.
The difference between hyper and hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Diseases of this gland are caused by the production of too much or too little hormone (4). The Conditions that stimulate the gland to release or secrete more of its hormones into the blood cause signs and symptoms that show increased metabolism. This is called hyperthyroidism, and common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include (5):
- Changes in personality
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Mood swings
- Sleeping difficulties
- Loose and more frequent bowel movements
- Increased urination
- Blurred vision
- Constant thirst and hunger
- Weight loss
- Itchy skin
Some signs that point towards an overactive thyroid gland include:
- Neck swelling
- Racing heart
- Warm and moist skin
- Sweating more than usual
- Red palms
- Loosening nails
- Loss and thinning of hair
- Bulging eyes
Hypothyroidism
On the other hand, conditions that lead to deficient thyroid hormone release are known as hypothyroidism. This condition causes an affected individual to show features of a slowed metabolic rate. The symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Tiredness
- Lethargy
- Inability to tolerate cold weather
- Joint swelling
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Low mood
- Slowed thinking (brain fog)
- Dry skin
- Muscle weakness
- Aches and cramps
- Tingling pain
- Numb hands and feet
Other common signs and symptoms of hyper and hypothyroidism
Additionally, both hyper and hypothyroidism may cause a loss of sexual desire, menstrual irregularities, vision problems, mood, and personality changes. If a thyroid issue is left undiagnosed for a long time, there may be swelling around the neck, known as a goiter. Depending on its position and size, this lead to symptoms such as breathing difficulties, hoarseness of the voice, coughing, and problems with swallowing— as it compresses structures around the neck, along with the nerves, airway, food pipe, and voice box.
Diagnosis of thyroid conditions
Thyroid hormone-related conditions are one of the most common hormonal conditions. They are often diagnosed based on the signs and symptoms of the patient or during a clinical examination- where a doctor examines the thyroid gland- by looking, touching, and feeling it for abnormalities like changes in size, texture, and consistency.
Once a thyroid problem is suspected, the precise cause is confirmed with a specific blood test known as a Thyroid Function Test. This test checks the level of thyroid hormones (T3, T4, and TSH) in the blood. Low levels of T3 and T4 hormones indicate hypothyroidism, and high levels mean hyperthyroidism. Additionally, different imaging tests such as an ultrasound scan or radioiodine scan can be ordered (6).
Can thyroid conditions improve without treatment?
If left untreated, these conditions can progress rapidly over time, causing significant disability that could lead to death. A low thyroid level can precipitate a potentially fatal condition called myxedema or myxedematous coma, and a high iodine level may lead to a life-threatening condition referred to as thyroid storm or thyrotoxicosis.
Therefore to prevent these conditions from developing, it is crucial to recognize and treat thyroid hormonal conditions as early as possible. The complications of potentially severe thyroid include:
- Infertility
- Heart problems
- Birth complications (prematurity, preeclampsia, low birth weight, miscarriage, and stillbirth)
- Depression
- Eye problems
- Brittle bones
- Fractures
- High cholesterol and related conditions (stroke, heart attack)
- Thyroid storm
- Myxedematous coma
- Death
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