pituitary gland

What-is-the-thyroid-gland

What is the thyroid gland

What-is-the-thyroid-gland_0_0

What-is-the-thyroid-gland_0_1

It may be small in size, but the butterfly-shaped gland, which is located in the neck area, has indispensable health functions. Your thyroid gland is responsible for producing thyroid hormone (TH), which regulates, among other things, the body's temperature, metabolism, and heart rate.&nbsp;

What-is-the-thyroid-gland_0_2

Things can start to go wrong when the thyroid gland is with hyper or hypofunction due to various factors. If it is with decreased function - hypofunction, when it produces too little TH; Alternatively, if it has an increased function - hyperfunction, then it produces too much of this hormone. In addition, other hormones, such as LH, FSH, as well as antibody levels, also serve as a comprehensive factors of the actual condition.

What-is-the-thyroid-gland_0_3

But what makes your thyroid gland out of balance? The factors may be genetic, autoimmune processes may take place in the body. Impaired thyroid function can also occur during pregnancy, stress, nutritional deficiencies or accumulation of toxins in the environment. And while the hypofunction tends to attract more attention among scientists, there's also the opposite situation where we're talking about an overactive thyroid. It should also be taken into account, since the effects of an overactive thyroid gland are related to weight, overall hormonal background, reproductive abilities, ability to concentrate, memory and others.

Hyperfunction-and-hypofunction---two-sides-of-an-impaired-thyroid-function

Hyperfunction and hypofunction - two sides of an impaired thyroid function

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism

10 signs of hyperthyroidism 

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_0

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_1

As mentioned, hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid. When this happens, the body produces an excess of thyroid hormones, such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T4 is produced specifically when the pituitary gland secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Here are the signs that your thyroid is working at an elevated speed and producing abnormally high levels of thyroid hormones: &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0140673616002786" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[Ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_2

Nervousness and anxiety&nbsp; - When the thyroid gland works excessively, hormones tell the body to work even harder. This leads to several symptoms that can make you feel nervous and anxious. But before that, these hormones lead to mood swings and racing thoughts.&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_3

Fast heart rate (plus palpitations) - As one of the physical symptoms of high hormone levels, your heart rate may increase. An increase in heart rate can also lead to palpitations. So, if you feel that the heart is undergoing any unusual changes, be sure to seek medical attention.&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_4

Increased sweating - Because thyroid hormones tell your body to become more active, naturally it will try to cool itself by sweating, even in less active situations when you're not physically active.&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_5

Weight loss - Although this effect is usually sought with other methods, hyperfunction is possible, but with adverse consequences. The abundance of thyroid hormones will speed up your metabolism and appetite. Although you may notice unexplained weight loss, it can lead to dramatic and unwanted changes related to the type of skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles.

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_6

Change in peristalsis - Changes in hormone levels can even affect your digestive system. More frequent bowel movements may indicate other conditions, such as Crohn's disease or problems with gluten absorption or lactose intolerance.&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_7

Goiter - Goiter occurs when the thyroid gland begins to enlarge due to the overproduction of hormones. Normally, the thyroid gland needs adequate levels of iodine, which we should get from the diet. However, if you do not have enough iodine, your body will try to compensate for what is missing, and the thyroid gland will enlarge. If you develop a goiter, you should take iodine supplements after consulting a specialist to suggest other personalized medical solutions.

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_8

You should also keep in mind that Hashimoto's thyroiditis often causes goiter. It is an autoimmune disease that affects millions of people around the world, mainly women. Specifically, this disease causes inflammation and damage to the thyroid gland. As a result of Hashimoto's, the body tries to compensate by triggering thyroid growth and a host of different symptoms affecting joints, skin, hair, and other aspects. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2018.00737/full" target="_blank" data-ref="The Pathology of Hyperthyroidism" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_9

Hair loss and brittle nails - Hair and nails grow continuously. This is because a critical thyroid function is sending hormonal signals to trigger hair and nail growth. With hyperthyroidism, additional hormones tell your body to increase the growth of hair follicles and nails in a shorter time.

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_10

Although it seems that rapid nail growth would be a positive side effect of thyroid dysfunction, this is not the case. This forced growth is happening too quickly. As a result, your body needs to use its natural resources, which can lead to thinner and brittle hair and nails.

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_11

Sensitive skin or discoloration - Thyroid hormones also affect the health of your skin in different ways. For example, with hyperthyroidism, you may have itchy dry spots on the skin. Your face may feel softer and swollen. You may even notice swelling around your fingertips. Other symptoms include darkening of the skin, rashes and reddish spots.

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_12

Disturbed sleep or insomnia - It is quite possible that you suffer from disturbed sleep in case of excessive levels of thyroid hormones. They make your body more active than usual. For example, hormonal changes can make the nervous system hyperactive. In addition, you may experience nervousness and anxiety due to thyroid problems that also affect sleep.

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_13

Changes in the menstrual cycle - Since hyperthyroidism determines accelerated metabolism, the menstrual cycle may become shorter or begin at different times.&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism

10 signs of hypothyroidism 

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_0

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_1

Fatigue&nbsp; - First, when you develop hypothyroidism, your body produces fewer thyroid hormones, making it difficult to recover from everyday stress. As a result, you will start to feel tired more often. You may become slower and slower, you may have difficulty concentrating as mental fatigue or brain fog occurs. <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12325-019-01080-8?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=56c36d9c-f416-4176-b335-115f0af3d09f" target="_blank" data-ref="Hypothyroidism in Context: Where We&rsquo;ve Been and Where We&rsquo;re Going - Advances in Therapy" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;3]&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_2

Sensitivity to cold Hormones secreted by your thyroid gland also regulate body temperature. With fewer hormones, your body has difficulty warming up because your metabolism is slower.

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_3

Constipation - While hyperthyroidism speeds up the digestive process, hypothyroidism slows it down. As a result of these delayed processes, constipation often occurs.&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_4

Dry and itchy skin - Just as overproduction of thyroid hormones leads to skin problems, a lack of these hormones also affects skin health. Skin tends to become dry, itchy and scaly, it may even wrinkle or become pale. These symptoms can also be caused by other skin diseases.

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_5

Weight gain - Thyroid problems lead to a significant slowdown in metabolism. As a result, your body begins to burn less energy and therefore stores more fat. You may find it difficult to exercise because of the fatigue that comes with hypothyroidism.

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_6

Muscle weakness - Without the stimulation of thyroid hormones, your muscles begin to lose their strength. They can even atrophy or become permanently relaxed.

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_7

Muscle aches and cramps - Likewise, your muscles can become painful and low in function. In addition, with a slower metabolism, your body uses catabolism to generate energy. Catabolism is a process that breaks down muscles and other tissues, resulting in weakness, soreness, and possibly pain.

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_8

Joint pain and edema - Catabolism also affects the joints, contributing to fatigue, pain, and even inflammation. In rheumatoid arthritis, for example, we are talking about an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints and causes inflammation and pain. <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0140673617307031" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;4]&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_9

Abundant or irregular menstrual cycle - Unlike hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism causes the menstrual cycle to become slower and heavier. Cycles can also become less frequent.

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_10

Depression and brain fog - Among other things, with hyperfunction of SHJ, the nervous system slows down because the body can not use energy as efficiently. In combination with the feeling of fatigue, you can feel sluggish, experience mood swings and depression.

Think you may have a thyroid disorder and have any (or several) of the listed symptoms? Ask your doctor to check thyroid hormone levels, especially if you have a family history of Graves' disease, Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis, or another endocrine disorder. These symptoms may be related to other conditions, but if it is found that the cause is impaired thyroid function, measures can be taken in terms of diet, physical activity, filling nutritional deficiencies and taking medications to normalize the condition.

Symptoms of Hyperfunction and Hypofunction - Impaired Thyroid Function

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/ac1a8890-cfa2-45a4-b779-209c199e6e48_middle.jpg

Бетина Цветкова

_-1_0

Symptoms-of-low-free-T4

Symptoms of low free T4

Symptoms-of-low-free-T4_0_0

Low free T4, or low thyroxine, can manifest in various ways. Some common symptoms associated with this condition include:

Symptoms-of-low-free-T4_0_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fatigue</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Unexplained weight gain</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cold intolerance</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dry skin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Constipation</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Depression</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Muscle aches and weakness</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Joint pain</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Heavy or irregular menstrual periods</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Brittle nails</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hair loss</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Memory issues</li></ul>

Causes-of-low-free-T4

Causes of low free T4

Causes-of-low-free-T4_1_0

Several conditions can cause low free T4 levels. These include:

Causes-of-low-free-T4_1_1

Hypothyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. Common causes include:

Causes-of-low-free-T4_1_2

<ul><li>Hashimoto's thyroiditis: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.</li><li>Iodine deficiency: Lack of iodine in the diet can lead to inadequate hormone production.</li><li>Thyroid treatments: Surgery or radioactive iodine therapy may affect hormone production.</li><li>Consult an endocrinologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.</li></ul>Non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS): This condition is marked by abnormal thyroid hormone levels without a problem with the thyroid gland. Potential causes include:

Causes-of-low-free-T4_1_3

<ul><li>Severe illness</li><li>Stress</li><li>Certain medications</li><li>Consult your primary care physician or an endocrinologist to address the underlying issue.</li></ul>Pituitary gland issues: The pituitary gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) that regulates T3 and T4 production. If there's a problem with the pituitary gland, it may result in low T3 and T4 levels. Common causes include:

Causes-of-low-free-T4_1_4

<ul><li>Pituitary adenoma: A benign tumor that affects hormone production.</li><li>Hypopituitarism: A condition in which the pituitary gland does not produce sufficient hormones.</li><li>Consult an endocrinologist or a neuroendocrinologist for proper evaluation and treatment.</li></ul>

Medications-with-potential-side-effects

Medications with potential side effects

Medications-with-potential-side-effects_2_0

Certain medications may contribute to low free T4 levels:

Medications-with-potential-side-effects_2_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lithium</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Amiodarone</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Interferon-alpha</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tyrosine kinase inhibitors</li></ul>Always consult your healthcare provider if you suspect a medication is affecting your thyroid hormone levels.

Medications-with-potential-side-effects_2_2

Herbal-and-Natural-Treatments

Herbal and Natural Treatments

Herbal-and-Natural-Treatments_3_0

Consider the following herbal and natural remedies for addressing low free T4 levels:

Ashwagandha-(Withania-somnifera)

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha-(Withania-somnifera)_3_0

An adaptogenic herb that may help support thyroid function and alleviate stress.

Guggul-(Commiphora-mukul)

Guggul (Commiphora mukul)

Guggul-(Commiphora-mukul)_3_0

&nbsp;An herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support thyroid function and promote healthy metabolism.

Bladderwrack-(Fucus-vesiculosus)

Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus)

Bladderwrack-(Fucus-vesiculosus)_3_0

&nbsp;A seaweed rich in iodine, which is essential for thyroid hormone production.

Bladderwrack-(Fucus-vesiculosus)_3_1

Consult a naturopath or a healthcare professional experienced in herbal medicine before using these remedies.

Lifestyle-changes

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle-changes_4_0

To promote healthy thyroid function, consider the following lifestyle changes:

Lifestyle-changes_4_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Maintain a balanced diet rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Exercise regularly to improve overall health and support hormone production.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Get adequate sleep to support your body's natural hormone regulation.</li></ul>

Lifestyle-changes_4_2

Nutritional-advice

Nutritional advice

Nutritional-advice_5_0

To support healthy thyroid function and address low free T4 levels, consider incorporating the following nutrients into your diet:

Nutritional-advice_5_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Iodine: Found in iodized salt, seaweed, fish, dairy products, and eggs. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Selenium: Present in Brazil nuts, seafood, meat, and whole grains. Selenium is crucial for the conversion of T4 to T3, the active thyroid hormone.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zinc: Found in oysters, beef, poultry, and beans. Zinc helps support thyroid hormone production and metabolism.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vitamin D: Fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods are sources of Vitamin D. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to thyroid issues.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Iron: Found in red meat, poultry, legumes, and fortified cereals. Iron deficiency can lead to thyroid dysfunction.</li></ul>

Questions-and-Answers

Questions and Answers 

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:

Below are ten frequently asked questions that are not covered in the article:

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_0

Q: Can low free T4 levels lead to fertility issues?

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_1

A: Yes, thyroid hormone imbalances, including low free T4, can impact fertility in both men and women.

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_2

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_3

Q: Are children and teenagers at risk for low free T4 levels?

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_4

A: Yes, children and teenagers can also experience low free T4 levels, which may affect their growth and development.

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_5

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_6

Q: How often should I check my thyroid hormone levels?

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_7

A: Consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations, but generally, annual checkups are advisable.

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_8

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_9

Q: Can pregnancy affect free T4 levels?

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_10

A: Yes, pregnancy can influence thyroid hormone levels, and close monitoring is essential for the health of both mother and baby.

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_11

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_12

Q: What is the role of the hypothalamus in thyroid hormone regulation?

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_13

A: The hypothalamus produces thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to release TSH, thereby regulating thyroid hormone production.

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_14

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_15

Q: Can certain foods negatively affect thyroid function?

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_16

A: Some foods, like raw cruciferous vegetables, contain compounds called goitrogens that can interfere with thyroid function when consumed in large amounts.

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_17

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_18

Q: Can thyroid hormone imbalances affect my mood and mental health?

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_19

A: Yes, imbalances in thyroid hormone levels, including low free T4, can contribute to mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_20

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_21

Q: Is there a connection between low free T4 and weight gain?

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_22

A: Yes, low free T4 levels can result in a slower metabolism, which may lead to weight gain.

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_23

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_24

Q: How does stress affect thyroid hormone levels?

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_25

A: Chronic stress can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, leading to imbalances in thyroid hormone levels, including low free T4.

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_26

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_27

Q: Can I take iodine supplements to improve my thyroid function?

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:_6_28

A: Consult your healthcare provider before taking iodine supplements, as excessive iodine intake can cause thyroid dysfunction.

Low free T4 levels can result from various conditions, such as hypothyroidism, non-thyroidal illness syndrome, and pituitary gland issues. Symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance, among others. Addressing the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment. Some natural remedies, like Ashwagandha and Guggul, may help support thyroid function. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress are essential for overall health and thyroid hormone balance.

Understanding Low Free T4: Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Remedies

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/12d01805-9a11-4fa7-a035-447d9a6324c2_middle.jpg

Екипът на Санацио

Symptoms-of-hypothyroidism

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

Symptoms-of-hypothyroidism_0_0

Hypothyroidism can manifest in various ways, and its symptoms can be mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

Symptoms-of-hypothyroidism_0_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fatigue</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Weight gain</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cold intolerance</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dry skin and hair</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hair loss</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Constipation</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Depression or mood swings</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Slow heart rate</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Muscle aches and stiffness</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Joint pain and swelling</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Heavy or irregular menstrual periods</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Impaired memory and concentration</li></ul>

Causes-of-hypothyroidism-and-when-to-consult-a-doctor

Causes of hypothyroidism and when to consult a doctor

Causes-of-hypothyroidism-and-when-to-consult-a-doctor_1_0

Several factors can contribute to hypothyroidism, and understanding these causes can help guide appropriate medical consultation. Consult an endocrinologist or primary care physician if you suspect any of the following issues:

Hashimoto's-thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Hashimoto's-thyroiditis_1_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Causes inflammation, leading to reduced hormone production</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Most common cause of hypothyroidism</li></ul>

Thyroid-surgery

Thyroid surgery

Thyroid-surgery_1_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Removal of all or part of the thyroid gland</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Can result in hypothyroidism due to insufficient hormone production</li></ul>

Radiation-therapy

Radiation therapy

Hypothyroidism, characterized by symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance, can be caused by various factors such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, and certain medications. Identifying the cause is crucial for proper treatment. Natural remedies like ashwagandha, bladderwrack, and Siberian ginseng may support thyroid health. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and consuming a nutrient-rich diet can also contribute to better thyroid function and overall well-being.

pituitary gland

Understanding Low Free T4: Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Remedies

Hypothyroidism: Unveiling the Mystery and Discovering Natural Solutions

Low blood glucose: Causes and treatment of hypoglycemia

8 Signs of High Cortisol Levels

How does porn addiction harm us?

How Does Coffee Affect Our Brain