Thyroid - Can It Be Prevented?

Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. Through the hormones it produces, the thyroid gland influences almost all the metabolic processes in the human body. These include how fast one burns calories and how fast the heart beats. Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer.

Types of Thyroid: The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Excessive thyroid hormone results in a condition called hyperthyroidism and insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism – If a person has hyperthyroidism, it means the thyroid is overactive and produces too much of a hormone called thyroxine. It can significantly speed up the metabolism and cause unpleasant symptoms. Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include being irritable or nervous, weight loss, fatigue, trouble sleeping, hand tremors, mood swings, rapid and irregular heartbeat, frequent bowel movements or diarrhoea and goiter.

Hypothyroidism – It occurs when a person’s thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism often begins slowly. Anyone can have an underactive thyroid, however, it is more common in women, people with other thyroid problems, and those who are above sixty years of age. Common symptoms include fatigue, unplanned weight gain, muscle weakness, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, pale and dry skin, puffy face, joint pain, stiffness or swelling, brittle hair and fingernails, forgetfulness, and constipation.

Diagnosis of Thyroid: In case a person witnesses symptoms of an underactive or overactive thyroid, a healthcare provider must be contacted immediately. A diagnosis is confirmed after a thorough review of the patient’s symptoms, medical and family history, risk factors, physical examination and most effectively – a blood test. A blood test will be done to measure the amount of thyroid hormone and TSH in the blood.

Treatment of Thyroid:

Hyperthyroidism – Several treatments exist for hyperthyroidism, including radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid medications, beta blockers, and surgery. The best approach for treatment, however, depends on the age, physical condition, the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism, personal preference and the severity of the disorder.

Hypothyroidism – The standard treatment for hypothyroidism is the administration of synthetic thyroid hormone. One can take the supplement daily in the pill form. This oral medication restores adequate hormone levels, thus reversing the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Can thyroid be prevented or avoided?

The thyroid is known as a metabolic master as it controls every single cell in the human body. Any kind of problem with the thyroid affects everything from weight to mental health, fertility, heart disease risk, and many other important aspects of your day-to-day health. While there is definitely a genetic component to thyroid disease, it doesn’t exclude the fact that certain lifestyle habits can slow your thyroid dose.

1. Avoid any kind of starvation diets.
2. Say no to excessive endurance exercise.
3. Go for short, high-intensity circuit training workouts by keeping excess cardio to a minimum.
4. Protect yourself from X-rays.
5. Always ask for a thyroid collar when undergoing an X-ray.
6. Stop smoking.
7. Keep an eye on blood work and monitor them on a yearly basis.
8. Detox yourself to save your thyroid.