Do you wake up exhausted in the morning? Have you gained weight for no reason? Are you always cold?
There may be myriad reasons for these symptoms, but they could also indicate an imbalance in your thyroid hormone production.
Have you heard words like hypothyroidism, thyroid deficiency, or subclinical hypothyroidism? Does it sound Greek to you?
Well, today is your lucky day. Keep reading to learn more about the thyroid gland and the hormones it produces. (And, there is a Greek connection!)
What Is the Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is vital to your body. This butterfly-shaped gland, part of the endocrine system, makes and secretes the thyroid hormones released into the bloodstream and carried to tissues throughout the body. Almost every organ is impacted by thyroid hormones.
As such, these hormones are responsible for regulating the temperature of your body. In addition, they also help the body use energy and maintain the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs.
And here is the Greek connection.
The origins of the word thyroid can be traced to the 1690s when it was first used in anatomical studies. A Latinized form of the Greek word tyhyreoeidēsthe, it literally means “shield-shaped.” This is fitting, as the thyroid gland is located in the neck, wrapped around the trachea or windpipe.
Hypothyroidism is a common disorder caused by imbalanced thyroid hormone production. Hypothyroidism (hypo in Greek means “under, beneath”) is the production of too little thyroid hormone.
Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism
There are many signs and symptoms of thyroid imbalance. Listed below are some, but not all, symptoms that indicate a hormone imbalance.
Hypothyroidism
- Increased fatigue and decreased energy levels
- Feeling cold when other people feel warm
- Drier, itchier skin or drier, more brittle hair
- Loss of appetite
- Mild weight gain and difficulty losing weight
- New or worsening problems with memory and slower thinking
- Puffiness around the face, hands, ankles, and feet
- Heavier and/or more frequent menstrual periods with increased PMS symptoms
- Increased irritability
- New or worsening depression, sadness, or not caring about anything
- Slowing of the heart rate
- Slightly higher blood pressure
- Higher cholesterol levels
You may ask, “Aren’t these symptoms the same for all kinds of diseases?”
Yes, there are some similarities and overlaps with many other illnesses which is why testing the thyroid hormone levels in your body is necessary. A simple blood test can determine if there are abnormalities and assist your healthcare provider in making a diagnosis.
What Do Thyroid Hormones Actually Do
When your medical provider orders blood tests to test thyroid function, they may use the abbreviations of TSH, T3, and T4. Each of these tests measures different thyroid hormones in your body. Below is a simplified definition of each hormone and what they do.
Types of Tests
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced in the pituitary gland and communicates with the thyroid to make hormones. Testing the TSH indicates if the thyroid gland is functioning properly.
Triiodothyronine (T3) is produced by the thyroid, but can also be made in other tissues through an enzyme conversion of T4. T3 is important for brain, heart, and digestive functions. It also helps maintain muscle and bone health as well as impacts the body’s metabolic rate.
T4 or thyroxine is the main thyroid hormone in the body and is produced by the thyroid gland. The hypothalamus (located in the brain) and the pituitary and thyroid glands work together to ensure a balance of TSH and T4 in the body.
Your medical provider may also test the Free T3 and Free T4 in your blood. This means that the hormone is unbound and able to enter and affect the body tissues. A bound T3 or T4 attaches or binds to proteins, which means that it cannot be used by other body tissues. Unbound or Free T4 and Free T3 remain in the body waiting to be used. Most T3 is bound and little is found as Free T3.
It is common for a medical provider to solely use the TSH test to determine thyroid function. Only if there are abnormal results in TSH levels will they look further and test T3 and T4. If you are experiencing one or more of the listed symptoms, you may need to request that additional blood tests be conducted. It is important to note that many medical professionals who often disagree with traditional Western medicine practices believe that the Free T3 and Free T4 tests are the best indication of thyroid problems.
Assessing the Results
Your medical provider will use the blood test results along with your medical history and exam to determine if your symptoms are the result of thyroid hormone imbalances. If it is found that there are imbalances in your hormones, there are treatments available. Hormone Replacement Therapy is used in the treatment
It is important to remember that you do not need to live with symptoms that are negatively impacting your quality of life. Asking for the correct blood tests is the first step in the process of determining the causes of your symptoms. Once you know the cause, you can find your treatment.
Carpe diem. Seize the day!
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Written by Anna Hartman, AKH Editing and Writing
