The thyroid gland produces a hormone that helps regulate body temperature and controls metabolism. When the production of the thyroid is hampered, the condition is called thyroidism.
When the thyroid gland produces excess hormones than required is called Hyperthyroidism, and when this hormone production is less than needed, the condition is known as Hypothyroidism.
Thyroidism is more common in females than males. Almost fifteen women in every 1000 and one male in 1000 suffer from thyroidism.
Symptoms
Hypothyroidism
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Frequent feeling of cold
- Hoarseness of voice
- Skin dryness
- Hair thinning
- Feeling low
- Constipation
Hyperthyroidism
- Sudden weight loss
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeats
- Swelling on neck
- Tremors in hands
- Irregular menstruation
- Brittleness of nails
Investigations
Your physician asks you to do a thyroid profile.
Ten hours of fasting is required for investigation for an accurate report.
Treatment
There is no cure for thyroid, but it can be in control with medicine.
Precautions for Thyroid
- If you have thyroidism, investigate yourself at least once in six months.
- Don’t skip your medication.
- Don’t take or change the dose of medication without consulting your physician.
- Drink enough water.
- Include food rich in vitamin B.
- If you have hypothyroidism, include iodine in your diet.
- Reduce sugar and caffeine intake.
- Avoid food with a high glycemic index – like refined flour, cakes and cookies.
- Walk and exercise regularly.
- Try to maintain your weight.
- Avoid stress.
- Maintain your sleep schedule by talking sound sleep of 6-8 hours.
- Avoid junk food, packaged food and food with more preservatives.
- Consult your physician at regular intervals.
Conclusion
Physicians or endocrinologists are the best people to treat thyroid. Consult them if you find any unusual changes in the body.
Remember, do not alter your medication without consulting your doctor.
No DIY method works for the thyroid.