Is your thyroid out of whack?
THE thyroid gland is a small horseshoe-shaped gland located in the front of the neck just below the Adam’s apple.
Dr Jomo James, internist, told All Woman that it is normally not seen or palpable, and it is the only organ in the human body that uses iodine. It mainly serves to produce and secrete thyroid hormones.
He said these hormones play critical roles in:
•The body’s metabolism, by increasing the metabolic rate
•Growth and development
•Nervous tissue maturation
•Regulating bone growth
•Aiding in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
The internist added that the thyroid gland will secrete these hormones at normal levels under the control of your brain; however, both an excess or deficiency can cause disorders or symptoms.
According to Dr James, the condition hyperthyroidism occurs when the gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine, which results in a higher than normal metabolic rate. The following symptoms can result:
•Anxiety
•Irritability or moodiness
•Nervousness, hyperactivity
•Sweating or sensitivity to high temperatures
•Hand trembling (shaking)
•Unintentional weight loss despite no change in diet
•Hair loss
•Frequent bowel movements
•Missed or light menstrual periods and infertility
•Palpitations or uneven heartbeat.
And depending on the cause, which usually in women is from an autoimmune condition, thyroid problems can be accompanied by bulging eyes, a ‘frightened’ look, and a swollen mass in the front of the neck called goitre. This is usually called Grave’s disease.
Too little thyroid hormone, termed hypothyroidism, according to Dr James, results in a lower than normal metabolic rate. These can lead to symptoms of:
•Difficulty sleeping
•Tiredness and fatigue
•Extreme weight gain
•Difficulty concentrating
•Dry skin and hair
•Hair loss, particularly around the eyebrows
•Depression
•Sensitivity to cold temperature
•Constipation
•Frequent, heavy periods
•Joint and muscle pain
•Goitre mass in the front of the neck.
Dr James said if two or more of these symptoms of low or excess hormone production occur, it could mean you have a thyroid problem and you should get it checked.
The simplest and easiest way is to do a blood test called a thyroid function test. Based on this, further investigations may be warranted, he said.
