The Thyroid Gland and Metabolism: Separating Fact from Fiction

Have you recently been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder? If so, the chances are high that you have any questions. It is therefore unfortunate that some online resources do not provide ample advice while others might even present facts of little clinical value. Let us, therefore, attempt to cut through the “fluff” and clearly explain the relationship between the thyroid gland and your metabolism.

Unraveling The Thyroid Gland and Metabolism Connection

Your Thyroid Gland: The Basics

The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck and just below the larynx. It is responsible for various metabolic processes; two of the most important being energy expenditure and growth. Unfortunately, as many as one out of every 20 individuals will eventually experience some type of disorder related to this gland. The two most common complications are an underactive thyroid (known as hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

How Does the Thyroid Gland Impact Your Metabolism?

Considering the sheer importance of this gland, it only stands to reason that any abnormality will have a direct impact on various metabolic processes. For the sake of clarity, we aim to briefly highlight hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

As mentioned in the previous section, hypothyroidism is associated with a thyroid gland that has become underactive (specifically in relation to two hormones known as T3 and T4). This often results in feelings of sluggishness, lethargy, and a general lack of energy. Furthermore, the body has a more difficult time efficiently digesting food. This is one of the reasons why weight gain and obesity are directly related to hypothyroidism.

However, others may have been diagnosed with an overactive thyroid gland. In this case, many of the symptoms are the direct opposite of those associated with hypothyroidism. Some common indications include:

• Anxiety
• Frequent bowel movements
• Tremors
• A visibly enlarged thyroid gland (known as a goiter)
• Unexplained weight loss due to an increased metabolism

We can now begin to appreciate why thyroid disorders may have a dramatic impact on our daily lives. Thankfully, there are a number of ways in which potentially adverse metabolic symptoms can be kept in check.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

The exact type of treatment will ultimately be determined by the condition itself. For instance, T3 tablets at internationalpharmacy.com may be used to alleviate many of the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism (they provide the body with an external source of the T3 hormone). Hyperthyroidism treatments may instead involve the administration of anti-thyroid medications (substances that prevent the overproduction of related hormones) or beta blockers.

Other ways to ensure a balanced metabolism can involve holistic approaches such as eating a balance diet, obtaining an adequate amount of rest each night, and ensuring that you remain physically active.

While thyroid conditions are often chronic in nature, there are plenty of ways to counteract the associated short- and long-term effects. Always consult with a medical professional or a thyroid specialist to learn more or if you suspect that a problem may be present.