Overactive or Underactive Thyroid Gland Leads to Hormonal Imbalance
Article:
The thyroid gland, a small yet crucial organ, plays a significant role in our body by producing hormones that regulate metabolism and growth processes. When this gland fails to produce adequate hormones, a condition known as hypothyroidism (thyroid underfunction) can arise. Approximately 5% of the population in Germany struggles with this condition, often beginning during hormonal changes such as puberty or menopause.
Hypothyroidism can manifest in various symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and constipation. The condition can impair physical performance, weaken reflexes, and cause skin and hair to become drier. Concentration and memory issues, lethargy, and reduced libido are also common in affected individuals. Ulrich Resch, director of the AOK in Ingolstadt, emphasizes that anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult a doctor for examination and blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels and TSH, the hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland.
The thyroid gland produces two main hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). In hypothyroidism, metabolism slows down due to insufficient hormone production. Iodine deficiency can also trigger hypothyroidism, although this is now a rare cause in Germany. To prevent iodine deficiency, paying attention to the right amount of iodine in daily nutrition is essential, and consuming iodized table salt, seafood, dairy products, and eggs can help meet daily iodine needs.
If the cause of hypothyroidism is not reversible, medication is usually the treatment option. The most common medication is levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone. It must be taken for life or for a specific period, depending on the cause. Regular blood tests, dietary changes, and follow-up care are crucial for maintaining hormone levels and managing symptoms effectively.
Women and older adults may require special considerations for managing hypothyroidism. Women should manage their symptoms carefully if planning pregnancy, as hypothyroidism can impact menstrual cycles and fertility. Older individuals may experience more pronounced symptoms and require close monitoring to prevent complications such as heart disease.
For further information, please refer to the following resources:
- AOK Magazine: body and mind
- Gesundheitsinformation: hypothyroidism
- German Thyroid Center: thyroid and the psyche
[Image: Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is more common in women and the elderly.]
[Copyright: © PantherMedia /Andelov13 (YAYMicro)]
[Press Office/AOK Bavaria]
- Science has uncovered that the thyroid gland, a vital organ, is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism and growth processes in our bodies.
- Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones, is a significant medical-condition that affects approximately 5% of the German population, oftenstarting during hormonal changes such as puberty or menopause.
- Chronic diseases like hypothyroidism can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and constipation, impairing physical performance, weakening reflexes, and causing skin and hair to become drier.
- In health-and-wellness discussions, understanding the role of the thyroid gland and the implications of hypothyroidism on mental-health, fitness-and-exercise, and even mens-health and women's-health is essential.
- Therapies-and-treatments for hypothyroidism typically involve medication, such as levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone, and regular blood tests to maintain hormone levels and manage symptoms effectively.
- In the realm of nutrition, iodine, essential for thyroid hormone production, must be included in a balanced diet to prevent hypothyroidism resulting from iodine deficiency.
- Neurological-disorders may also be linked to hypothyroidism, making skin-care and mental-health considerations imperative for those affected by this condition.
