According to the American Thyroid Association, 1 in 8 women will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime. But how can such a tiny gland have such a big impact on so many women?
The thyroid gland, though small, plays a powerful role in your body. Located at the front of your neck, it’s shaped like a butterfly with two lobes and works around the clock—whether you’re pregnant, feeling cold, or simply going about your day.
This gland produces, stores, and releases thyroid hormones, known as T3 and T4, which influence every cell in your body. When there’s an imbalance in these hormones, problems can arise. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much hormone, while hypothyroidism happens when it produces too little.
So, what is your thyroid responsible for?
Digestion: When thyroid hormones are released, the body increases its metabolism. This means our food is broken down more quickly for energy. Diarrhea can occur when there is an over-production of hormones, while constipation can occur if there is too little.
Energy levels: Since your thyroid dictates how your body uses and produces energy, you may feel weak or tired if you have hypothyroidism. In contrast, you may feel restless or irritable if you have hyperthyroidism.
Heart rate: Your heart rate is controlled by the number of thyroid hormones in your body. People with hyperthyroidism may experience a faster heart rate than normal.
Periods: The flow of your menstrual cycle is also influenced by your thyroid. Excessive or too little thyroid hormones can result in a light, heavy or irregular flow.
Sleeping: Thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating your sleep-wake cycle. An overactive thyroid may disrupt your sleep by causing you to have night sweats and frequent urges to use the bathroom. An underactive thyroid may affect your quality of sleep by making you sensitive to cold temperatures.
Mood: A common symptom of thyroid issues is fluctuations in mood. Many people experience feeling irritable, fatigue, anxious, and down.
Iodine’s Role in Your Thyroid
Iodine is a mineral that is needed for your body to make thyroid hormones. We do not make iodine in our bodies, so it is important for us to get it through our food. Iodine can be found in:
- Seafood (cod, tuna, and shrimp)
- Seaweed
- Dairy products (milk, yogurt, and cheese)
- Iodized salt
Other thyroid supporting nutrients include selenium and zinc which can be found in a variety of foods from whole eggs to nuts and seeds.
This blog is for educational purposes only. For all medical questions, please consult with your physician.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279388/