Overactive and Underactive Thyroid: What Problems Can It Bring?
Thyroid disorders are on a rise in India. While men are still not majorly hit by thyroid disorders, women are twice more likely to get affected. This difference is majorly due to the difference in hormones creation in men and women.
Among all the thyroid disorders, overactive and underactive thyroid are the two major conditions affecting the human body. In this blog, we will guide you through the problems that an overactive and underactive thyroid can lead to. But first, let’s discuss the facts about the thyroid gland and hormones.
The thyroid gland is present in the neck and releases two hormones, i.e. thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These two hormones work towards balancing the body’s metabolic rate, heart function, and digestive function. If imbalanced, these hormones can affect the mood and development of the body.
Specialists suggest that thyroid conditions can be caused due to iodine deficiency, autoimmune diseases, thyroid gland inflammation, or genetic disorders.
After discussing about the thyroid gland and its function, here is a detail of the two most common thyroid disorders.
Underactive Thyroid
Low thyroid & Hypothyroidism are the two common names given to an underactive thyroid. Under this condition, the level of hormones released by the gland falls, depending on the level of drop, reactions on the body are felt.
An underactive thyroid can lead to many other problems for the human body. These are:
1- Weakness: When the body’s growth and development is affected due to the lack of hormones produced by the thyroid gland, some weakness is bound to be felt. One is likely to feel weak and mild pain in different joints of the body.
2- Constipation & Slow Metabolism: Thyroid hormones affect metabolism to a great extent. This can lead to slowed movement of stool, leading to constipation.
3- Gallstones: Stones can develop in the gallbladder due to slow and weakened metabolism.
4- Mental Health Issues: Due to hormonal imbalance, a person can feel sad and depressed. An underactive thyroid can make a person feel dull due to excessive weakness.
5- Menstrual Changes: In women, hormones can lead to an imbalance in the menstrual cycle. Fertility may also be affected due to changes in hormone levels in the body.
Overactive Thyroid
High thyroid & Hyperthyroidism are the two common terms of use for an overactive thyroid. In this condition, the thyroid gland produces too many hormones that cause serious conditions like:
1- Pregnancy Complications: Having too much thyroid hormone in the body can lead to complications during pregnancy. In serious cases, miscarriage and premature birth can also be the outcomes.
2- Mood Swings: Flowing with hormones can affect the mood of an individual to a great extent. One may feel angry all the time when flowing with thyroid hormones.
3- Eye Problems: While this may seem unusual, an overactive thyroid that produces too many hormones can lead to irritation in the eye or double vision.
4- Heart Health: Chest pain and abnormal heart rhythms can affect an individual diagnosed with an overactive thyroid to a great extent.
5- Blood Pressure: In patients with an overactive thyroid increase in heart contractions and high systolic pressure.
The thyroid gland can lead to many critical medical conditions. These conditions have affected many people in India and around the globe. At Medipulse Hospital in Jodhpur, our specialists like Endocrinologist Dr Tuhin Dubey can help in early diagnosis of the thyroid condition. Ranked as the top private hospital in Jodhpur, at Medipulse Hospital we have all the latest technology to treat different thyroid conditions. Visit the hospital today to get tested for symptoms!
The thyroid gland is present in the neck and releases two hormones, i.e. thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These two hormones work towards balancing the body’s metabolic rate, heart function, and digestive function. If imbalanced, these hormones can affect the mood and development of the body.