Overview
Studies estimate that disease of the thyroid gland
is more common than diabetes or heart disease and often goes misdiagnosed or
undetected. As many as more than 50 million people could be suffering thyroid
dysfunction over the world. This small gland at the base of your neck controls
functions throughout the entire body, including regulating other hormones,
energy levels and metabolism. The master of many other hormones, thyroid
dysfunction can wreak havoc, creating uncomfortable symptoms if hormone levels
remain out of range.
Understanding common symptoms of thyroid issues and when
to seek medical advice could save your health. Read on for more information on
symptoms to look out for as well as foods and lifestyle factors that support
optimal thyroid function.
1. Symptoms That Indicate a Problem
Symptoms associated with thyroid disease are often
caused by low hormone levels, also referred to as hypothyroid, which include
weight gain or inability to lose weight, sensitivity to cold, weakness or
fatigue, depression, pallor, constipation, poor memory, dry skin and hair and
brittle nails. Signs of the less common condition overactive thyroid
(hyperthyroid) include unintended weight loss, rapid heartbeat, high blood
pressure, anxiety or irritability, trembling, insomnia, feeling hot or sweating
more than usual and muscle weakness. Other potential thyroid symptoms include
pain at the base of the neck or throat and swelling or a lump under the Adam’s
apple area. Any pain or swelling is reason to seek medical advice right away.
Keep in mind that many of these symptom groups can mimic other diseases, so
it’s important to discuss the possibility of thyroid disease with your doctor.
They will likely need to do some blood tests for more information.
2. Low Thyroid Activity: Hypothyroid
Low thyroid activity is also called hypothyroidism
and is commonly caused by an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s disease, a
problem in which the body attacks its own thyroid tissue causing it to not
produce the hormone levels for optimal health. This disease is more common in
women, especially those with autoimmune disease in their family. According to a
study presented in the British Medical Bulletin, because lack of iodine is
uncommon, the majority of cases are related to autoimmune disorders rather than
a mineral deficiency. If you have symptoms of low thyroid, your doctor can
perform some tests to see if you may have Hashimoto’s disease or other forms of
hypothyroid. Elevated levels of TSH hormone are used to diagnose hypothyroid or
another condition called “subclinical hypothyroid,” which the European Thyroid
Journal describes as increased TSH hormone with normal levels of T3 and T4
hormones.
3. Overactive Thyroid: Hyperthyroid
Overactive thyroid is also referred to as
hyperthyroidism and is less common than low thyroid dysfunction. It’s often
caused by an autoimmune condition called Graves’ disease, which causes the body
to produce too much T4. Again, this is more common in women than men, and
symptoms will present with unintended weight loss, rapid heartbeat or tremors,
high blood pressure, anxiety or irritability and trouble sleeping. If these
types of symptoms present themselves, head to the doctor to get a blood test to
assess thyroid function. Thyroid disease can often be treated with a daily
medication: Your doctor can discuss options based on your unique needs.
4. Thyroid Cancer and Goiter
Pain in the neck or throat, swelling or a hoarse
voice are reasons to get your thyroid checked out. Cancer can present itself
through nodules, though the American Cancer Society cites that the majority of
thyroid nodules are benign or noncancerous. Thyroid cancer is the fifth most
common cancer in women, and typical treatments include surgery and radioactive
iodine. Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that is diagnosed at a younger age
compared with other types -- two-thirds of all cases are diagnosed in people
less than 55 years old. A goiter is caused by lack of the mineral iodine and
causes a large, swollen lump at the base of the throat. With a goiter, the
thyroid gland enlarges as it searches for iodine. Any sign of swelling or pain
in the thyroid area should be assessed immediately.
5. Thyroid Screening
If you seek medical attention for your thyroid, you
will hear terms like “T3,” “T4” or “TSH,” but what do they mean? T3 stands for “Triiodothyronine”
and T4 stands for “Thyroxine”. T4 is made from T3, so it’s important to check
both levels. The thyroid gland and the pituitary gland in the brain communicate
constantly, and the pituitary tells the thyroid the correct hormone levels to
pump out. This message is sent via TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), so this
is another level that will likely be checked. TSH level is used to diagnose
hypothyroid because it will be elevated with this condition. The ideal balance
between T3, T4 and TSH will create harmony in the body, but high or low levels
can indicate a problem with disease, medications or thyroid hormone damage. If
there are any suspected problems with thyroid nodules, an ultrasound may be
ordered.
6. Thyroid and Weight
Studies have shown a correlation between increased
body weight and decreased thyroid function. Elevated TSH hormone levels were
strongly associated with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of symptoms associated
with developing cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. Further, a higher
waist circumference was associated in the same study with hypothyroid or low
thyroid function. In the study, some cases with TSH in the normal range showed
an incremental increase in weight with each one-unit increase in TSH hormone.
This means as TSH levels goes up; weight goes up along with it. While there is
research showing a link between hypothyroid and increased weight and belly fat,
many people falsely associate struggles with weight as associated with thyroid
dysfunction. Weight management can be difficult and multifactorial, so
definitely discuss this with your doctor. But remember: Thyroid issues are not
the only reason for being overweight or inability to lose weight.
7. When to Seek Help
If you believe you may have a thyroid problem,
bring it up as part of the discussion next time you see your doctor. Clusters
of symptoms of hypothyroid or hyperthyroid should definitely be addressed. For
example, constantly feeling cold, struggling with being overweight, dry skin,
brittle nails, fatigue or depression could indicate an underactive thyroid
gland. Conversely, rapid heartbeat, feeling hot or increased sweating,
trembling or weight loss could indicate an overactive thyroid. If you notice
any swelling, pain or a lump at the base of your neck or throat, you should go
in immediately to seek medical attention. A doctor will assess thyroid function
with some simple blood tests and could suggest an ultrasound or other
monitoring test to check this important gland and rule out thyroid disease.
Keep in mind that most nodules are not cancerous.
8. Foods That Help
Iodine is the main nutrient associated with thyroid
support because the body uses it to make T3 and T4 hormones. Foods high in
iodine include ocean fish or other seafood, seaweed or sea vegetables, dairy
and iodized salt. For the most natural source of iodine, try consuming food
sources instead of taking supplements. Selenium and zinc are other important
nutrients for the thyroid. Look for these in seafood, nuts and seeds --
especially Brazil nuts. A study shows that low vitamin D and selenium levels
may increase the risk of developing autoimmune thyroid disease. Ask your doctor
to check your vitamin D level because vitamin D is necessary for the body to
create thyroid hormones T3 and to regulate TSH. The thyroid gland contains more
selenium per gram than found in any other organ in the body, and even slightly
low levels have been associated with autoimmune disease of the thyroid.
9. Foods That May Hurt
Some foods, at high intake levels, can have
negative effects on the thyroid gland. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli,
cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage can suppress the thyroid by raising
TSH levels and have even been linked to increased rates in thyroid cancer when
combined with low iodine intake. Keep in mind that studies that show negative
results from cruciferous vegetables containing “goitrogen” compounds, which may
enlarge the thyroid, were seen with higher-than-typical consumptions. A goitrogen
is a compound that suppresses the thyroid by interfering with iodine, which
could cause a goiter or swollen thyroid. This is not a reason to avoid these
healthy foods in normal daily quantities, and cooking can reduce negative
effects on the thyroid. Soy has also been linked to hypothyroid. Intake at the
level of a common vegetarian diet may push subclinical hypothyroid patients
into overt hypothyroidism. Studies have not supported that soy negatively
affects the thyroid in healthy individuals with adequate iodine intake and
normal thyroid function, consuming soy foods as a part of a healthy and
balanced diet.
10. Other Healthy Thyroid Factors
Addressing lifestyle factors is an important part
of assessing thyroid health because this gland governs so many functions in the
body. Studies linking depression to decreased thyroid function are well
documented: A review in the Journal of Thyroid Research states common
abnormalities seen include elevated T4, low T3 and a lowered bodily response to
TSH hormone. This study lists classic psychological symptoms associated with
thyroid dysfunction as anxiety, irritability, emotional liability, impairment
in concentration and dysphoria, or a generalized state of unease. Other
lifestyle factors are also linked to thyroid problems -- smoking has been
linked to increased risk for Graves’ disease, or hyperthyroidism. Because the
thyroid governs so many functions in the body, it is important to consider
aspects of physical and psychological health linked to this gland.
Source: www.livestrong.com
