Q. What is thyroid gland? What is it's function?
A. The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and is responsible for producing thyroid hormones, which are important for metabolic health, growth and development. It helps in controlling functions of heart, muscle and digestion, brain development and bone maintenance.
Q. Where is it located in body?
A. The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck. It is a butterfly-shaped gland and consists of two lobes located either side of the windpipe (trachea). It produces two hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4), which regulates energy (also known as the body’s metabolism). Thyroid function is controlled by a gland known as the pituitary. The pituitary produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid to produce T3 and T4.
Q. What is Thyroid Stimulating Function (TSH)? Which level is considered optimum?
A. Thyroid stimulating hormone is produced by pituitary gland which controls the release of thyroid hormones. Depending upon the individual’s health history the target range may vary between 0.5 to 4.5 mIU/L.
Q. Will consuming soy/ soy products worsen my condition?
A. Soy usually hampers the absorption of thyroid medications; hence soy is advised to be consumed in moderate quantities.
Q. Can hypothyroidism lead to infertility in females?
A. Undiagnosed and untreated thyroid disease can be a cause for infertility or recurrent miscarriage as it causes an ovulation (failure to ovulate). Once the thyroid is corrected, and ovulation is occurring, fertility is usually very good and one can continue with the pregnancy.
Q. Can lifestyle changes help me manage my thyroid symptoms?
A. Lifestyle management definitely can help to regulate the thyroid function along with the medication, some of the modifications includes:
- FOODS TO INCLUDE IN THE DIET: carrots, spinach, apricots, asparagus, olive oil, avocado, sunflower seeds, whole grain cereals, bananas, oily fish
- FOODS TO BE TAKEN IN MODERATE/MINIMUM QUANTITIES AS THEY INTERFERE WITH IODINE UPTAKE : cabbage, kale, broccoli, mustard, lima beans, linseed, sweet potato, peanuts, soy products.
- FOODS TO AVOID: caffeine drinks like coffee, cola; smoking and alcohol as these all affect the thyroid function.
- REDUCE STRESS: Stress is a major factor and is thought to be a contributing factor to the development of hypothyroidism.
REGULAR EXERCISE AND BETTER STRESS MANAGEMENT
Q. Will I ever lose my weight after getting hypothyroidism?
A. Of course, Hypothyroidism usually causes weight gain in patients as the thyroid gland is responsible for maintaining metabolism of body and underactive thyroid slows down the metabolism which leads to weight gain and excess accumulation of fat and water. As the thyroid function improves; metabolism improves and one can expect changes in weight.
Q. When should I visit doctor and get tested for hypothyroidism?
A. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
- Weight gain.
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Intolerance to cold.
- Dry skin and hairs
- Abnormal menstrual cycles
- Constipation
- Excessive sleepiness.
- Swelling of the legs.
- Slurred speech.
- Muscle cramps.
- Low body temperature.
Q. Does hypothyroidism cause joint pains?
A. Since thyroid hormone affects the rate of bone replacement so it plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones. Therefore hypothyroidism if left untreated can cause joint pains and other symptoms like muscle ache, tenderness and stiffness of joints
Q. How can I get my condition diagnosed?
A. Following investigations can be done to diagnose hypothyroidism
- A blood test to check for thyroid hormones T3 and T4.
- Measurement of TSH confirms the diagnosis. TSH level will be elevated in hypothyroidism to enhance the production of thyroid hormones.
- A thyroid scan, clinical history, and antibody screening help in diagnosing the cause of the thyroid problem.
- MRI of the brain may be needed in case if pituitary or hypothalamus disease is suspected.
