The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland composed of two lobes connected by an isthmus located on the anterior side of the base of the neck. It produces thyroid hormones called T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) which are involved in many functions throughout the body.
It acts on various organs and tissues including skin, intestine, heart, bone, nervous system, where it performs various actions. It also has effects in various areas of metabolism. For all these reasons, “both a deficiency and an excess of thyroid hormone produce syndromes called hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, respectively, each with diverse clinical implications on a case-by-case basis,” explains endocrinologist Fabiana Massajohn.
In this sense, the hormones T3 and T4 are responsible for the proper functioning of the metabolism.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that around 750 million people in the world suffer from some form of thyroid pathology, 60 percent of whom are unaware.
To understand more about this gland, the expert explains some of the concerns and beliefs people commonly have about the thyroid.
Can pregnant women have complications?
In women with thyroid pathology, whether looking for pregnancy or becoming pregnant, emphasis should be placed on thyroid control.
Around 750 million people in the world suffer from some form of thyroid pathology. credit: Courtesy
It is advisable to consult them before seeking pregnancy, or as soon as they find out that they are pregnant. This is mainly due to the fact that thyroid hormone plays a fundamental role in the development of the human central nervous system from the first weeks of intrauterine life to the first years of childhood.
Thyroid control is always important, regardless of whether the mother has thyroid pathology or not. Congenital hypothyroidism is found in all newborn babies, and if it is diagnosed, it should be treated promptly.
People who are suffering from thyroid disease, should they avoid taking any kind of food or medicine?
In general, there is no specific recommendation, people with thyroid problems can consume any type of food.
In some situations (for example, thyroid cancer patients who have to undergo a special study), they may be instructed to avoid foods with a high iodine content (for example, sea fish, algae, dairy products, salt – because it is marketed iodized by law-)
Another condition to keep in mind is that products containing algae, (eg Centella asiatica, fucus, spirulina), “self-tanning” substances, among others, whether consumed or applied as a cream, sometimes- Sometimes thyroid function tests can be changed. There are some medicines (such as lithium, amiodarone) that can cause thyroid disorders, so it is important to tell the professional who treats all medicines you are receiving, including “homeopathic preparations” “natural substances” creams, Lotion etc.
In hypothyroidism can you lead a normal life with medicine?
– Yes, they can lead a completely normal life.
Do you have to take medicines for the rest of your life?
– Depends on the type of pathology. In the case of hypothyroidism, it depends on its cause. For example, patients who have had thyroid surgery, or who have received radioactive iodine, require lifelong replacement therapy. In other conditions of hypothyroidism, the patient’s clinical and laboratory status is evaluated periodically, this may lead to an increase or decrease in the dose, and sometimes even suspension of treatment.
In the case of hyperthyroidism, it is more complicated, depending on the type of treatment. If they are drugs, sometimes they can take years. It always depends on clinical and laboratory control, and is individualized.
Thyroid hormones affect metabolism, which is why it is slow in hypothyroidism and accelerated in hyperthyroidism. But, it should be kept in mind that the origins of both overweight and obesity are multifactorial. There is a myth or belief that every hypothyroid person gains weight, and this is usually not the case. There are many factors that affect body weight.
– Is it easy to diagnose them?
– In general, laboratory tests can determine thyroid function and diagnose hypo- or hyperthyroidism. In some specific situations, thyroid ultrasound or, in some cases, other studies may be requested.
There is a hereditary predisposition to both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
– Does it only affect women?
Thyroid pathology occurs more often in women, but men can also present problems.
In the event that there is a suspicion of thyroid malfunction, it is advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible to confirm or deny the diagnosis.
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