The thyroid gland is the most voluminous endocrine gland in the human body, with a distinctive butterfly shape, located in the lower, front part of the neck.
The thyroid hormones it produces and releases into the bloodstream are:
Thyroid hormones are essential for the proper functioning of all the body’s cells.
They are especially important for:
- Proper metabolism – they promote heat production, stimulate protein synthesis, stimulate fat breakdown, affect blood glucose levels, and support proper heart function
- Fertility in both sexes
- They are key to the development of the nervous system during the fetal period
Through the combined effect of environmental and genetic factors, the thyroid gland may not function properly, resulting in increased or decreased secretion of thyroid hormones, which manifests through various symptoms.
Hyperthyroidism – an overactive thyroid gland
Hyperthyroidism occurs as a result of the hypersecretion of thyroid hormones. Due to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, TSH values become lowered, while T4 and T3 values become elevated.
Symptoms that may indicate hyperthyroidism:
- weight loss with an increased or even unchanged appetite
- fatigue, weakness
- increased sweating and increased sensitivity to heat
- tachycardia, palpitations and arrhythmias
- poor quality of hair, skin and nails
- menstrual cycle disorders, onset of amenorrhea
- insomnia, anxiety, irritability, emotional tension
- goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland)
Hypothyroidism – an underactive thyroid gland
Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs as a result of the hyposecretion of thyroid hormones, which leads to high TSH values and lowered T4 and T3 values.
Most of the symptoms accompanying this condition arise from a slowed metabolism, and some of the most significant are:
- weight gain, even though appetite is reduced
- constipation
- tiredness, drowsiness
- increased sensitivity to cold
- problems with memory and learning
- mood changes
- slowed heart rate
- stiffness and muscle pain
- swelling of the face and skin, appearance of edema
- menstrual cycle disorders, onset of amenorrhea
Laboratory analyses of thyroid hormones, used to diagnose hypofunction/hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, include determining the following parameters:
- TSH
- T4 (total T4)
- FT4 (free form of T4)
- T3 (total T3)
- FT3 (free form of T3)
- Anti-TPO antibodies
- Anti-TG antibodies
- TSH receptor antibodies
The first step in laboratory analysis is determining TSH, FT4 and anti-TPO; if there is a deviation in the results, the remaining parameters need to be done for a final diagnosis.
For the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, whether it involves an overactive or underactive thyroid gland, support is essential from:
- A specialist doctor in endocrinology
- A nutritionist
For treatment, in addition to pharmacotherapy, a proper and high-quality diet is very important.
Eliminate simple sugars, trans fats, fried and breaded food, and gluten from the diet, as they further worsen the intestinal permeability present in hypothyroidism. Choose foods that are nutritionally beneficial for the thyroid gland and that contain iodine, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin D and zinc, such as oily fish, dark green leafy vegetables and Brazil nuts.
You should not neglect quality sleep, stress control, moderate physical activity and spending time with people you love.
For an individual approach, it is very important to consult a nutritionist, because support and education will be your foundation in making a lasting change of lifestyle and, with it, recovery.
Ivana Đurđević
Master of Pharmacy – medical biochemist and nutritionist