Thyroid Hormone: How it Affects Our Health

Did you know that the thyroid gland affects almost all body functions, including mood regulation and metabolism? Located in the front of the neck, this gland sits on top of the trachea below the voice box. The thyroid hormone affects human health in various ways. Check below to learn more.

Thyroid hormone is the hormone produced by the thyroid gland to allow normal body functioning. If this gland cannot make the right amount of thyroid hormone, it leads to a medical condition known as thyroid disease. If the gland produces too much thyroid hormone, the body uses energy too fast. This condition is referred to as hyperthyroidism. This excessive energy use may cause your body to depict various symptoms, including weight loss and increased heartbeat. Also, you might notice that you feel nervous and tired without doing any work.

On the other hand, your thyroid can produce inadequate thyroid hormone leading to a condition known as hypothyroidism. With this condition, you can gain weight easily, feel tired and be unable to cope with cold temperatures. Thyroid disorders are usually chronic and can be caused by various aspects.

Similarly, thyroid hormone disorder affects our health by influencing the body’s normal functioning. This imbalance will affect systems which include the following.

Endocrine System

If you experience hypothyroidism, your body produces too small amounts of T4 and T3 hormones. These hormones are responsible for metabolism control, and thus they influence the way your body utilizes energy. Hence, this condition will cause most main body functions to slow down or even change.

Cardiovascular and Circulatory System

This system is affected as hypothyroidism weakens your heartbeat and slows your heart rate; thus, your heart becomes less efficient at pumping blood to all body parts. Therefore, this can lead to shortness of breath when one exercise. Also, narrowed arteries are likely to increase your blood pressure. Since hypothyroidism also leads to high cholesterol levels, one may suffer heart disease when combined with high blood pressure.

Nervous System

If your hypothyroidism goes untreated for a long period, it can affect how your nerves transfer information to the spinal cord, brain, and other parts of the body. Thus, the nerve’s inefficiency can lead to a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. You can experience symptoms of tingling pain, numbness and a burning feeling in the affected area.

Digestive system

Thyroid disorders slow the movement of food through the intestines and the stomach. Consequently, slowed digestion leads to symptoms like bloating, heartburn and constipation.

Respiratory System

Insufficient thyroid hormone in the body makes oneโ€™s lungs less efficient while weakening the breathing muscles. This, in turn, leads to exercise problems due to shortness of breath. Also, you might develop apnea which is a condition that causes pauses in breathing while sleeping.

Reproductive system

Females experiencing thyroid problems may have heavy or irregular periods. Also, they are at a high risk of having miscarriages if they get pregnant, which is also something they struggle with.

If you experience some of these symptoms, it is best to book an appointment with a thyroid specialist to prevent further damage from the disease.

Jeff Campbell