In this Article, I will explain everything about the thyroid gland and how it affects your body, etc.
Let me Introduce you to the
Thyroxinic Bible
By
Histy
Let me Introduce you to the
Thyroxinic Bible
By
Histy - Introduction
- Anatomy and Structure of the Thyroid Gland
- Functions and Hormones of the Thyroid Gland
- Regulation of Thyroid Function
- Common Thyroid Disorders
- Relation between nails and Thyroid glands & disorders
- Optimizing Thyroid Function for Better Health
- Conclusion
The thyroid is an essential endocrine gland that regulates metabolism and energy levels as well as growth and development.
The thyroid produces hormones that impact most of the cells and systems in our body.
A healthy thyroid can maintain balance within the body (homeostasis), while a dysfunctional thyroid will create imbalances in the hormones produced by your body.
Millions of people globally suffer from thyroid-related diseases. This article/Guide focuses on various aspects of the thyroid, including its structure, function, major disease processes, treatment options for managing disease processes and providing the best possible environment and assistance for promoting good health in the thyroid.
The information provided in this guide will be based on the best available medical research.
The thyroid produces hormones that impact most of the cells and systems in our body.
A healthy thyroid can maintain balance within the body (homeostasis), while a dysfunctional thyroid will create imbalances in the hormones produced by your body.
Millions of people globally suffer from thyroid-related diseases. This article/Guide focuses on various aspects of the thyroid, including its structure, function, major disease processes, treatment options for managing disease processes and providing the best possible environment and assistance for promoting good health in the thyroid.
The information provided in this guide will be based on the best available medical research.
The thyroid gland is found at the front of the neck, under the voice box. It is butterfly-shaped: The two lobes on either side lie against and around the windpipe (trachea), and are connected at the front by a narrow strip of tissue known as the isthmus.
The thyroid typically weighs between 20 and 60 grams. It is surrounded by two fibrous capsules. The outer capsule is connected to the voice box muscles and many important blood vessels and nerves. There is loose connective tissue between the inner and the outer capsule, so the thyroid can move and change its position when we swallow.
The thyroid tissue consists of many individual lobules that are each enclosed in a thin layer of connective tissue. These lobules contain a great number of small sacs – called follicles – which store thyroid hormones in the form of little droplets.
What hormones does the thyroid make?
The thyroid gland produces three hormones:
- Triiodothyronine (T3)
- Tetraiodothyronine (T4), also called thyroxine
- Calcitonin
Iodine is an important substance that is needed to make the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Our bodies can’t produce this trace element, so we need to get enough of it in our diet. Iodine is absorbed into our bloodstream from food in our bowels. It is then carried to the thyroid gland, where it is used to make thyroid hormones.
"Thyroid hormone production is tightly controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis."
Most of the thyroid hormones in the bloodstream are bound to proteins, which makes them inactive. If the body needs more hormones, T3 and T4 can be released from these proteins in the blood and do their job.
How do the thyroid hormones work?
The more active T3 and T4 become in the body, the more the basal metabolic rate goes up (the amount of energy your body needs while at rest). They make all of the cells in the body work harder. This has the following effects, for example:- Body temperature rises
- The heartbeat becomes stronger and the pulse faster
- Food is used up more quickly because the energy stored in the liver and muscles is broken down
- The brain matures (in children)
- Growth is promoted (in children)
- Activation of the nervous system leads to higher levels of attention and quicker reflexes
How is the production of hormones regulated?
Sometimes our bodies need more thyroid hormones, and sometimes they need less. To make the exact right amount of hormones, the thyroid gland needs the help of another gland: the pituitary gland. It is part of the brain, and it regulates many of the processes inside our body. One of the things it does is to use the hormone TSH to control the amount of hormones the thyroid gland releases into the bloodstream.Most of the thyroid hormones in the bloodstream are bound to proteins, which makes them inactive. If the body needs more hormones, T3 and T4 can be released from these proteins in the blood and do their job.
An overactive thyroid makes too many hormones (hyperthyroidism). An underactive thyroid doesn’t make enough hormones (hypothyroidism). Both of these imbalances can lead to many different symptoms.
The thyroid gland may get bigger too. Sometimes the whole thyroid gland becomes enlarged (diffuse goiter), and sometimes individual lumps called nodules grow in the gland (nodular goiter).
Various tests can be used to diagnose medical conditions affecting the thyroid.
5.1 Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, by contrast, happens when your thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormones. As your body needs certain amounts of thyroid hormones to make energy, a drop in hormone levels leads to lower energy levels.
If hypothyroidism is left untreated, it can bring on myxedema coma, a rare but potentially fatal condition that requires hormone treatment right away.
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring TSH (elevated) and T4 (low).
Treatment typically includes daily levothyroxine (a synthetic T4) to restore hormone levels.
5.2 Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, sometimes called an overactive thyroid, occurs when your thyroid gland releases too many thyroid hormones into your bloodstream. It can speed up your metabolism, causing weight loss, irregular heartbeat, and tremors in your hands.
Symptoms include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance, anxiety, tremors, and bulging eyes (in Graves' cases).
Diagnosis uses blood tests showing low TSH and high T3/T4, plus imaging like ultrasound or radioactive iodine uptake scans. Treatments include anti-thyroid drugs like methimazole to block hormone production, radioactive iodine to destroy overactive cells, or surgery for severe cases.
Both types of thyroid disease can be caused by other diseases that affect the way the thyroid gland works.
Symptoms may include a neck lump, hoarseness, or swollen lymph nodes
Diagnosis involves ultrasound, fine-needle biopsy, and scans. Treatment typically includes surgery (thyroidectomy), radioactive iodine, and hormone therapy.
The thyroid gland may get bigger too. Sometimes the whole thyroid gland becomes enlarged (diffuse goiter), and sometimes individual lumps called nodules grow in the gland (nodular goiter).
Various tests can be used to diagnose medical conditions affecting the thyroid.
5.1 Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, by contrast, happens when your thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormones. As your body needs certain amounts of thyroid hormones to make energy, a drop in hormone levels leads to lower energy levels.
If hypothyroidism is left untreated, it can bring on myxedema coma, a rare but potentially fatal condition that requires hormone treatment right away.
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring TSH (elevated) and T4 (low).
Treatment typically includes daily levothyroxine (a synthetic T4) to restore hormone levels.
5.2 Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, sometimes called an overactive thyroid, occurs when your thyroid gland releases too many thyroid hormones into your bloodstream. It can speed up your metabolism, causing weight loss, irregular heartbeat, and tremors in your hands.
Symptoms include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance, anxiety, tremors, and bulging eyes (in Graves' cases).
Diagnosis uses blood tests showing low TSH and high T3/T4, plus imaging like ultrasound or radioactive iodine uptake scans. Treatments include anti-thyroid drugs like methimazole to block hormone production, radioactive iodine to destroy overactive cells, or surgery for severe cases.
5.3 Thyroid Cancer.
Cancer of the thyroid gland is rare and occurs in about 5% of thyroid nodules. You might have one or more thyroid nodules for several years before your doctor finds that they're cancerous. If you've had radiation treatment to your head and neck earlier in life, possibly as a remedy for acne, you may have a higher risk of getting thyroid cancer.Both types of thyroid disease can be caused by other diseases that affect the way the thyroid gland works.
Symptoms may include a neck lump, hoarseness, or swollen lymph nodes
Diagnosis involves ultrasound, fine-needle biopsy, and scans. Treatment typically includes surgery (thyroidectomy), radioactive iodine, and hormone therapy.
Nail Changes Associated with Thyroid Disorders
Hyperthyroidism
Medical Treatment
Hyperthyroidism
- Brittle and Fragile Nails: Due to the increased metabolic activity, nails may become thin and break easily. This is often accompanied by a general weakening of the nail structure.
- Ridges and Grooves: Vertical ridges or grooves may appear on the nails, making them look uneven and less smooth.
- Reddened or Swollen Nail Bed: The nail bed may appear inflamed, which can cause discomfort and make the nails look unhealthy.
- Dry and Brittle Nails: Nails can become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage due to a slower metabolic rate. This is often accompanied by dry skin and hair.
- Slow Nail Growth: Nails may grow more slowly and can appear pale or yellowish. This is due to reduced blood flow and nutrient delivery to the nail matrix.
- Koilonychia (Spoon-shaped Nails): In severe cases, nails may become spoon-shaped, where the edges of the nails lift up while the center remains depressed.
Medical Treatment
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you notice any changes in your nails, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. They can perform necessary tests, such as blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels, to determine if a thyroid disorder is the cause.
- Medication: Proper medication to regulate thyroid hormone levels can help improve nail health. For hyperthyroidism, treatments may include antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery. For hypothyroidism, synthetic thyroid hormone replacement therapy is commonly prescribed.
- Moisturize: Regularly moisturize your nails and cuticles to prevent dryness. Use a good quality hand cream or cuticle oil, especially after washing your hands or using hand sanitizer.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Limit exposure to harsh chemicals and nail treatments that can further damage your nails. This includes avoiding acetone-based nail polish removers and wearing gloves when using cleaning products.
- Gentle Nail Care: Use gentle nail care techniques, such as filing nails in one direction and avoiding excessive trimming. Keep your nails at a manageable length to prevent breakage and avoid biting your nails or picking at your cuticles.
"While medical treatment is crucial for disorders, lifestyle choices can support thyroid health."
Medical care is essential for the treatment of thyroid disorders, but there are also lifestyle choices that can help to promote thyroid health. A nutrient-dense, iodine-rich diet (seafood, dairy, iodized salt), selenium-rich (Brazil nuts, fish), zinc-rich (nuts, seeds), and tyrosine-rich (lean proteins) is recommended along with additional consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting processed foods, excess sugar, and goitrogenic foods (raw cruciferous vegetables).
Manage stress through meditation, or exercise, as chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance.
Prioritize sleep and regular physical activity to boost metabolism which will maintain your body temperature as a result that you will not feel cold easily.
Avoid smoking and alcohol.
Gut health is linked to thyroid function, so include probiotics from yogurt or fermented foods.
"Note that while these steps support health, they don't replace medical advice"
Medical care is essential for the treatment of thyroid disorders, but there are also lifestyle choices that can help to promote thyroid health. A nutrient-dense, iodine-rich diet (seafood, dairy, iodized salt), selenium-rich (Brazil nuts, fish), zinc-rich (nuts, seeds), and tyrosine-rich (lean proteins) is recommended along with additional consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting processed foods, excess sugar, and goitrogenic foods (raw cruciferous vegetables).
Manage stress through meditation, or exercise, as chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance.
Prioritize sleep and regular physical activity to boost metabolism which will maintain your body temperature as a result that you will not feel cold easily.
Avoid smoking and alcohol.
Gut health is linked to thyroid function, so include probiotics from yogurt or fermented foods.
"Note that while these steps support health, they don't replace medical advice"
The thyroid gland affects your overall health, energy, mood, and the way your body runs. The earlier you know how the thyroid works and what could go wrong, the better chance you have of treating it properly. If you want to have the best chance at keeping your thyroid functioning efficiently, make sure to develop good habits, but always see Doctor for a trusted medical attention.
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