Your thyroid is a gland located in the lower part of your neck. The thyroid controls hormone production and regulates metabolism. Should you develop a thyroid disorder in which the gland slows down or ceases production, you may be suffering from an underactive thyroid, otherwise known as hypothyroidism. The effects, or symptoms, of an underactive thyroid may be severe enough to require medical treatment.
Fatigue
Occasionally feeling tired or experiencing fatigue after a stressful period in your life is not unusual. Should you feel fatigued, not just tired, within an hour or two after waking or are unable to get through the day without a nap, you may have an underactive thyroid. The fatigue is due to a slow down of your metabolic rate because you do not have an adequate supply of the appropriate hormones.
Dry Skin and Hair
Your skin may become drier and flake when you scratch. Your hair becomes brittle and your scalp itchy. This lack of moisture is due to faulty processing of Vitamins A, C and D. Without the proper balance of hormones, your body is unable to fully exploit the intake of vitamins and minerals.
Weight Gain
Because your metabolism has slowed down, and your body is not processing fats and sugars at an appropriate rate, you begin to gain weight. Your thyroid is in control of many of the body's functions, directly and indirectly. When your thyroid fails to produce the necessary chemicals for your body to perform, you will experience such symptoms as fatigue, dry skin and hair and weight gain.
Significance
The effects of an underactive thyroid are not limited to these symptoms. These symptoms may be attributed to signs of aging or due to menopause. But should the lower part of your neck develop a bulge and your voice alters slightly, you may be developing a goiter. A goiter is a definitive sign that your thyroid is not functioning as it should.
Identification
The hypothalamus influences the production of thyrotropin or TSH from the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland secretes the TSH to stimulate the thyroid into hormone production. When the thyroid fails to produce, the pituitary gland produces more THS, resulting in an excess of this hormonal stimulant. In response, the cells of the thyroid become hyperplasic, resulting in a goiter.
Prevention/Solution
You cannot prevent the onset of hypothyroidism. You can, however, treat it. Synthetic hormones, such as synthroid, are the most common treatment and are usually effective in controlling hypothyroidism. The dosage will need to be adjusted to your particular needs, and you will take one pill daily, for the rest of your life.
Tags: pituitary gland, your body, down your, fails produce, hormone production, lower part, lower part your