Get to Know Your Thyroid
Warren Fraser, MD
January is Thyroid Awareness Month! To learn more about the thyroid, a small gland of the endocrine system, we interviewed our Endocrinologist, Dr. Warren Fraser.
Where is your thyroid & what does it do?
The thyroid, located at the bottom of your neck, is a butterfly-shaped gland that controls your metabolism helping your body turn food into energy. Your thyroid may only take up a small portion of your body, but it plays many roles in keeping you healthy. The thyroid produces two hormones (T-3 and T-4), which affects your heart rate, breathing patterns, and how much weight you can gain or lose. The thyroid can affect other bodily functions such as your body temperature and cholesterol levels.
What are common problems people have with their thyroid? What are the causes and symptoms of these problems?
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid is when your thyroid produces fewer hormones than a normal thyroid gland should. Your body needs a certain number of thyroid hormones so your body can produce the energy it needs to function. If your thyroid is producing fewer amounts of hormones compared to the average person, then it can cause you to have less energy than usual.
Symptoms
Overly tired
Fatigue
Weight gain
Feeling cold
Dry skin
Causes
Hashimoto’s disease is one of the main causes of Hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder, a condition where your immune system attacks your body, and can cause swelling or inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Thyroiditis can also be caused by other conditions such as a viral infection.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid is when your thyroid makes too many hormones. An overactive thyroid produces too much of a hormone called thyroxine (T-4). When your thyroid gland produces too many thyroxine hormones, your metabolism can speed up and cause you to lose weight and experience other unusual symptoms.
Symptoms
Mood swings
Shakiness
Fatigue
Feeling warm or hot
Weight loss
Fast heartbeat
Causes
Graves’ disease causes your immune system to function incorrectly and is one of the main causes of Hyperthyroidism, especially for women under 40-years-old.
Lumps of tissue placed in your thyroid, called nodules, can produce too many hormones, and may cause the thyroid to become overactive.
Thyroiditis, an infection that causes your immune system to function incorrectly, can affect your thyroid by causing it to swell and release more hormones than usual.
Thyroid Cancer
There are four different types of thyroid cancer, papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. Typically, all thyroid cancers that are found in the early stages can be successfully treated. Tests that examine your thyroid, neck, and blood are used to find and diagnose thyroid cancer.
Symptoms
A lump or swelling on the side of the neck (most common symptom)
Trouble breathing
Trouble swallowing food or drinks
Hoarse voice
Causes
There are no clear causes of thyroid cancer, but some likely causes are: radiation around the neck area, especially at a young age or inherited from a family member.
What should you do if you are experiencing symptoms related to thyroid problems?
If you are feeling thyroid health-related symptoms like the ones listed above, you should talk to your provider. Untreated symptoms, especially over long periods of time, can cause serious health problems.
How can you keep your thyroid healthy?
Your thyroid is an important part of your body, so we should always keep its well-being in mind. Keeping your thyroid healthy may not just help your thyroid but also your all-around physical health. Eating a well-balanced diet does your body good. Stay away from processed foods with preservatives or sugar and fat replacements. These types of foods can cause inflammation or problems with your immune system. Remember to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and don’t forget your proteins!
Salmon and anchovies are a good source of lean protein, as well as almonds and other nuts. Fish and other seafood are also good sources of iodine. Iodine is essential to include in your diet because your body does not produce it naturally. However, it is still needed for your thyroid to produce hormones.
Always remember to take care of your thyroid, and your thyroid will take care of you!