Exploring Thyroid Health 101
So picture this…
You're sailing through life, feeling like a well-oiled machine, and then suddenly, out of nowhere, your body decides to throw you a curveball. You're tired all the time, your metabolism seems to have taken a vacation to an all-inclusive buffet, and you've developed a personal hatred towards your bathroom scale. What on earth could be going on? It’s possible that you may be entering the world of thyroid dysfunction.
In this post, we're going to simplify the thyroid, explore the symptoms that can pop up when things go wrong, and provide you with knowledge to help you navigate the maze of the thyroid.
Whether you're a thyroid warrior yourself, know someone battling these issues, or are just plain curious, this post is for you.
What exactly is the thyroid, and what does it do?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It plays a crucial role in regulating many different bodily functions by producing hormones that help control metabolism, growth and development. The two main hormones the thyroid produces are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Let’s take a peek at some of the various jobs the thyroid gland tackles:
Metabolism Regulation: Think of T3 and T4 as your body’s energy regulators. They control how your cells use energy from the food you eat. Too much T3 and T4 may increase metabolism, leading to weight loss, while lower levels can slow metabolism, leading to weight gain.
Digestion: Thyroid hormones also act as digestive superheroes, influencing how fast food moves through the GI tract. So, if your thyroid hormones throw a party/are out of whack, it can lead to symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating.
Hormone Regulation: The thyroid gland is linked to the brain’s hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the HPT axis. The what axis? I know, don’t worry too much about that part…the most important thing to know/remember is that these glands work together to manage thyroid hormones through a feedback loop. When levels are low, signals prompt hormone release. This loop slows down when levels are balanced.
Muscle Function: Thyroid hormones influence muscle function and strength, affecting muscle contraction and overall muscle tone.
Temperature Regulation: Thyroid hormones help regulate how cells make energy and heat, which impacts body temperature.
So, pretty much, that’s the basics of our mighty thyroid. In my next blog, I’m going to explain what happens when the thyroid goes wrong, especially Hashimotos vs Graves Disease and what happens in those circumstances.
Thrive well, y’all!
XO,
Katherine