5 Fast Facts About Your Thyroid

One of the great mysteries of the human body is how its smallest parts can have the largest impact. Oohvie is here to help you demystify your inner workings and set you on a path of wellness by arming you with the knowledge and tools you need to be your best physical self.

Read on for Oohvie’s “Fast Facts About Your Thyroid” and discover why thyroid health is of paramount importance for your overall well-being. Worried you’re affected by thyroid issues? Be sure to log how you’re feeling on Oohvie to update your HealthLynked medical data with your doctor.

Where Is Your Thyroid?

Your body is full of essential glands, but this particular butterfly-shaped one is located just below your larynx at the base of your neck. Typically, the thyroid gland has two sides (lobes) that rest on either side of your windpipe, connected by a strip of tissue called an isthmus. Interestingly, some people don’t have an isthmus, yet the two separate lobes of their thyroid function just as well as if they did (Brady, 2019).

What Does Your Thyroid Do?

The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, a collection of glands responsible for producing, storing, and releasing hormones into the body. The thyroid gland’s primary job is to secrete the hormones Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3), which play a vital role in regulating metabolism, heart rate, breathing, weight, and menstrual cycle (Brady, 2019).

Women Are Ten Times More Likely to Develop Thyroid Issues.

 Yep, you read that right. Although 12% of the population will experience thyroid gland issues at some point in their life, medical science and research suggest the reason women are so much more at risk is that they have more opportunities for hormonal stress and imbalances. Puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause all put additional strain on the thyroid. Because the female body is constantly changing throughout its lifetime, the thyroid has to do more work to keep up, leading to imbalances in hormone production (Grunewald & Guthrie, 2021).

Hyperthyroidism Is Too Much T3 & T4. 

Do hand tremors, hair loss, anxiety or irritability, and missed or very light periods sound like you? Make your doctor aware because these are all classic signs that your thyroid is making too much T3 and T4 hormones. Other signs include nervousness or hyperactivity and sweating for no apparent cause (Brady, 2019). Log your symptoms and feelings in Oohvie.

Hypothyroidism Is Not Enough T3 & T4. 

Depression, fatigue, difficulty concentrating—all these are common stress symptoms, but if you’re experiencing them coupled with dried-out skin and hair, joint and muscle pain, insomnia, or frequent, heavy periods, it’s time to speak with your doctor about your thyroid health. These are all hallmarks of hypothyroidism, an indication your thyroid isn’t producing enough essential hormones to regulate your overall health.

Diagnosing thyroid issues can be a long, difficult process because so many of the underlying symptoms are also present in other ailments. Make sure your doctor is armed with the most accurate information possible by updating Oohvie with your daily symptoms, feelings, and habits to receive the best care.

References 

Brady, Bridget. “Thyroid Gland: Overview.” Endocrine Web, 26 Mar. 2019, www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid-nodules/thyroid-gland-controls-bodys-metabolism-how-it-works-symptoms-hyperthyroi.

Grunewald, Jill, and Catherine Guthrie. “Why Do Thyroid Disorders Affect Women More Often Than Men?” Experience Life, 25 Jan. 2021, experiencelife.com/article/why-do-thyroid-disorders-affect-women-more-often-than-men/.