March 4, 2025

The thyroid gland is an important endocrine gland which produces and releases specific hormones in the human body that help regulate metabolism and other bodily functions. Most often, we tend to overlook this gland as it performs its functions silently, managing and assisting various parts of the body in their functioning. The hormones it releases affect your digestion, heart rate, breathing, moods and weight.

Understanding the role of the thyroid gland in your body and knowing the signs and symptoms that it might be out of balance can help you diagnose issues early on and care better for your body. Let’s get a brief idea on how the thyroid functions and what are some of the major signs you need to look out for.

Thyroid Function and Its Effects on the Body

The thyroid gland is situated at the base of your neck below Adam’s apple. It is a small butterfly-shaped gland that controls the way your body uses energy. When your thyroid does not function properly, it can impact your overall health, causing issues like fatigue, weight gain, weight loss, etc. Listed below are some of the major hormones secreted by the thyroid gland and the effects of thyroid function on metabolism.

Thyroxine (T4): The T4 hormone is the primary hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. It contains four atoms of iodine and is, therefore, called the T4 hormone. Although it is released in large quantities, it doesn’t have any major effect on your metabolism. These hormones usually undergo a process known as deiodination and are converted into T3 hormones.

 Triiodothyronine (T3): As compared to T4 hormones, the thyroid gland produces less quantity of T3 hormones. These hormones have a significant impact on the body’s metabolism and also affect the functioning and speed of the body’s cells. For instance, if large amounts of thyroid hormones are secreted into the body, your bodily cells start working twice as fast as their normal rate, leading to an overactive thyroid. On the other hand, if fewer amounts of thyroid hormones are secreted into the body, it leads to the slow functioning of the bodily cells, leading to an underactive thyroid. Either of the two situations isn’t ideal for a healthy body. Therefore, it is important to look after your thyroid health to ensure good overall health.

Thyroid Disorders and Their Impact on Metabolism

Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): This condition occurs when the thyroid gland produces and secretes large amounts of T4 and T3 hormones in the bloodstream, leading to an increase in the speed of the metabolism process. It often leads to the victim feeling hungry as the body digests food at a greater speed than usual.

 One of the significant causes of this condition is Graves’ disease. It is an autoimmune disease in which the antibodies act as the Thyroid-Stimulating Hormones (TSH) and cause the thyroid gland to produce excess hormones affecting the body’s metabolism and energy consumption rate. If the illness is left untreated for long, it can cause severe complications such as heart failure, liver damage, etc.

Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): When your thyroid gland produces and releases fewer amounts of T4 and T3 hormones into the bloodstream, it gives rise to hypothyroidism, causing a slow-down in the body’s metabolism process. It leads to symptoms like weight gain, depression, constipation, etc. The patient does not feel hungry as the body takes more time to digest food than usual.

 Most often, the condition is caused by an autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto’s disease. In this disease, the antibodies and white blood cells present in the body attack the thyroid gland, leading to a decrease in hormone production. If left untreated, it can cause a severe decrease in the body’s metabolism, leading to death.

Thyroid nodules: Nodules are small lumps that are seen growing on the thyroid gland. In most cases, these nodules are not a cause of concern; however, they can contain thyroid cancer. Studies show that thyroid nodules are more commonly found in women than in men. Seeking immediate medical help can reduce any severe complications in the long run.

Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Problems

If you experience any of the symptoms listed below for a long period, it could be associated with your thyroid function, and it is advisable to visit a doctor for a check-up.

Significant changes in weight: As mentioned earlier, thyroid and metabolism go hand in hand. Significant weight gain or weight loss could be associated with an underactive or overactive thyroid gland.

Changes in appearance: If you notice changes in your appearance, such as losing hair, having itchy or dry skin, acne, a puffy face, or swelling in the base of your neck, it could be a sign of thyroid disorder. It is easier to ignore such common symptoms; however, if they are prolonged and occur along with other symptoms like weight changes, it is time to get your thyroid checked.

Fatigue: Having an overactive thyroid can make it difficult to fall asleep at night, whereas an underactive thyroid leads to a lack of energy in the body, causing feelings of fatigue and weakness. Furthermore, these conditions also give rise to muscle weakness and pain, making your body feel tired and worn out.

Feeling cold or hot: An overactive thyroid causes a sensitivity to heat, leading to excessive sweating, whereas an underactive thyroid causes a sensitivity to cold, leading to shivering. If you face such symptoms, it could be a sign your thyroid needs a check-up.

Conclusion

The thyroid gland affects many aspects of the body, such as metabolism, heart health, weight, etc. It is important to look after your thyroid health to ensure and protect overall health and wellness. Although Zenplus Pvt Ltd is always at your service for any health-related emergencies, if you’re experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is best to get it checked as soon as possible. A healthy thyroid is one of the major factors that promotes overall health.

FAQs

1. How can I keep my thyroid healthy?

The thyroid gland requires sufficient amounts of iodine to produce and secrete thyroid hormones in the body. Consuming food items that contain iodine can help maintain and promote thyroid health.

2. What are the risk factors for developing thyroid disorders?

You’re at risk of developing a thyroid condition if you have a family history of thyroid disorders, consume medications that have high amounts of iodine or have an autoimmune disease like lupus, type 1 diabetes, etc.