What is thyroid and why is it so important? Thyroid is a small pear-shaped gland located just below your neck. It controls almost all the major functions in your body. It regulates how your body uses and stores energy. It is responsible to regulate your body’s metabolic rate as well as heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, mood and bone maintenance. However, when this regulator doesn’t work, it causes thyroid problems.
About 7.5 crore people suffer from thyroid diseases globally. 1 in 10 Indians suffers from it. The bigger concern is that most cases of thyroid disease go undiagnosed because people fail to recognize the early symptoms. 60% of women suffering from thyroid problems are unaware of their condition. This happens because the symptoms are often mistaken as occurring from other health conditions. For example, weight gain may mask thyroid disorder after pregnancy.
The two common types of Thyroid dysfunction are Hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is under active and hyperthyroidism where the thyroid gland is over active.
Symptoms
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms:
- Anxiety, nervousness and irritability
- Changes in menstrual cycle, including lighter bleeding and less frequent periods
- Weight loss despite increased appetite
- Trembling and sweating
- Frequent bowel movements
- Difficulty sleeping
- Hair turns brittle and thin
- Weakness of muscles, especially in thighs and upper arms
- Rapid heartbeat, usually over 100 beats per minute
Hypothyroidism Symptoms:
- Unexplained tiredness
- Weight gain
- Weakness of muscles – aches, tenderness and stiffness
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Impaired memory
- Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
- Constipation
- Decreased heart rate
- Puffy face and hoarseness
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Pain, stiffness or swelling in the joints
Causes
Thyroid sometimes results from inappropriate TSH levels (thyroid-stimulating hormone), or may be caused by problems in the thyroid gland itself.
Hyperthyroidism Causes:
Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. This condition occurs when the immune system produces an antibody that stimulates the thyroid gland, leading to over activity and high TSH levels. Another possible cause of hyperthyroidism is a condition called thyroiditis. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland becomes inflamed.
Hypothyroidism Causes:
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the body makes antibodies that destroy parts of the thyroid gland. Surgical removal and certain medications can also cause hypothyroidism.
Other causes of hypothyroidism include pituitary problems and iodine deficiency, affecting nearly 2 billion people worldwide. Some babies are born with hypothyroidism – this is called congenital hypothyroidism.
Can thyroid problems be prevented?
If thyroid diseases run in your family and you are worried that it might affect you as well, we can predict it years before it actually occurs with Geno Homeopathy. It is carried out through a simple saliva test that helps us predict the probability of getting thyroid diseases. It reduces your chances of getting thyroid problems through preventive medicine, lifestyle changes, and appropriate thyroid diet. Since Geno Homeopathy is based on your individualized genetic predisposition, it is, therefore, the most individualized and customized thyroid treatment.
