A small butterfly shaped gland in your neck can be the cause of many health problems. Women all of the world suffer from thyroid issues and it makes every day life extremely tiring. The faster the problem is diagnosed, easier it is to treat the issue and get back to a lifestyle that is filled with health and energy.
Those who are feeling pangs of lethargy, are struck by nausea, and are struck by the nastiest mood swings from time to time, you may have to get your thyroid gland checked.
More about thyroid
The thyroid is a small little gland that controls the supply of energy through your body. It lies wrapped around the windpipe and is situated right in between the collarbone and the voice box. The thyroid hormone, which is a very powerful chemical, regulates the temperature and metabolism in one’s body, and the gland is responsible for pumping this chemical out. In fact it is responsible for a number of other functions as well, it helps keep your brain agile, it ensures that you have a regular menstrual cycle, your bowels are regulated, and it is also responsible for keeping your skin, nails and hair healthy. The speed at which your body burns the energy supply depends on its functioning.
If we were to compare the functioning of our body to that of a car, the thyroid can be considered as the accelerator and the breaks of that car. And if these two important parts do not function to the best of their ability, the entire car will be affected, and so it is with the human body.
Women are 12 times more likely to develop problems due to the illfunctioning of this gland, the reason being that women are more prone to developing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which can lead to ill function of the thyroid.
There are two kinds of thyroid disorders – hypothyroidism, where too little thyroid hormone is produced and hyperthyroidism, where too much thyroid hormone is produced. These issues can arise either permanently or temporarily after a pregnancy too.
Symptoms
It is important that women keep an eye out for symptoms, as when caught earlier the condition can be treated with medication and appropriate lifestyle changes that include diet.
Both the conditions can have symptoms that are a total opposite of each other. Hypothyroidism though, the symptoms may be extremely subtle and may become more visible and intense with age. Sudden weight gain that is unexpected could be caused, however, there could be other reasons for the same a well and therefore is non conclusive. Other symptoms like forgetfulness, chills, irregular periods, dry skin, constipation, hair loss and fatigue should be watched for as well.
Hyperthyroidism on the other hand is much more easier to identify. This is a condition that is a result of an excess of thyroid hormone released into the body. When this happens, individuals are prone to extreme weight loss that is sudden; one may experience rapid heartbeats, diarrhea and insomnia too. As with hypothyroidism, this condition can become worse over time.
Catch it early!
The best way to treat this problem is to have it diagnosed early. If you do think that your thyroid gland may be causing you trouble, get checked immediately. Speak with your health care practitioner and get in touch with an endocrinologist and get a TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone test done to check if you indeed have a problem.
Self Check
You can also carry out small checks at home to get rid of any thoughts that you may be having. It’s a simple check and will barely take you any time. Be sure to do the check once every two months.
The check goes as follows:
Start by holding mirror in front of you and start looking at the area that is just above your collarbone region.
Next allow your head to tilt back a little bit, and at the same time, keep the mirror moving as well.
Now, take a medium sized water sip.
As you are swallowing watch out for bulges or protrusions that may not be normal.
If you do happen to see anything suspicious that is going on, get in touch with your health practitioner.
Speak with your health practitioner and also get in touch with a Registered Holistic Nutritionist how you can work towards keeping your gland healthy by eating the right foods. In fact getting in touch with a Homeopath too may do some good to you by learning about a few natural remedies that can help the condition stay in control.
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