The Multitasking Thyroid Hormone: How It Powers Your Body

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The Multitasking Thyroid Hormone: How It Powers Your Body.

Thyroid is located in the neck, which is a butterfly shaped organ. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid glands don’t produce enough hormone (Hypo meaning less). The symptoms of this condition are not limited to the gland itself.

Let us understand the function of the Thyroid Hormone.

The hormones T3(triiodothyronine), T4(thyroxine), are produced by the thyroid gland. TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland, which tells the thyroid how much thyroid hormone to produce. The hormones travel through the blood stream to reach all organs and cells. It increases the basal metabolic rate making each cell function harder. This in turn rises the temperature and heart rate.

Thyroid Hormone in Reproductive health.

It is an important hormone for women, as it regulates the ovulation-menstruation cycle and hence the fertility. Hypothyroidism causes disruption in conception and maintaining the pregnancy which is a concern for couples planning to extend their family. It is therefore important to rule out Thyroid issues before planning for pregnancy, as repeated abortions are noted.

As it affects the brain cells, it also affects the mood of the person like sleepiness, loss of memory, slowed speech etc. Hence the known mood swings during hormonal changes and menopause in women!

Thyroid Hormone in Gut function.

Thyroid hormone also has an influence in the process of digestion and absorption of food. In hypo-thyroidism, digestion becomes sluggish with bloating and constipation symptoms. People have to check on their diet and the food they eat, which becomes a concern to them. Constipation is noticed in new-borns and infants as well because of thyroid issues!

Thyroid in Skin & Hair.

Imbalance in T3 and T4 can cause hair loss. Some people complain of mild to severe hair-fall making hair appear sparse. Body hair like eyebrows and pubic hairs are also affected in some cases. Fingernails also become brittle. Dry skin is noticed which is a sign of Vatha increase in the body.

Due to slow metabolism because of Hypothyroidism, dramatic weight gain is seen. This is a sign of Kapha increase in the body. People exercise and diet to reduce the weight, but if Thyroid is involved, without correcting the Thyroid hormones, weight reduction gets difficult.

Relation between Thyroid and Bones

The hormone Thyroxine controls the breaking down and replacing bone process. When there is lack of Thyroxine, body’s ability to produce and mineralize bones reduces. This leads to fatigue, less strength in bones, muscle weakness and joint weakness.

Hence if children have hypothyroidism, their bone growth is affected. And women have weak bones and joint pains. Also, when metabolism is hampered, body tends to put on weight and affects the joints. Majorly the knee joint which is the weight bearing joint. Inflammation, restriction in movements and crepitus is noticed.

The Thyroid Care at Navjeev Ayurveda

As there are various symptoms in Hypothyroidism, we Doctors at Navjeev find the Doshic diagnosis and prescribe the medicines and treatments. The main detox treatment is the Nasyam, to stimulate and activate the thyroid gland. Depending on the symptoms like knee pain, obesity, hair-fall, period issues, etc., various Panchakarma treatments like Potlees/kizhis (medicated poultice for aches, pains and inflammations), Udwarthanam (powder massage for weight loss), Januvasti (Oleation of the knee), etc. like treatments are prescribed.

The treatment methodologies are not limited to treatments and medicines alone. Life style changes, Diet corrections are also advised, which is a major cause for the disease!