Did you know?

January is thyroid awareness month. The thyroid gland is located on the front part of the neck below the thyroid cartilage, above the trachea or windpipe. The gland produces thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolic rate (how fast calories are consumed to produce energy). Thyroid hormones are important in regulating body energy, body temperature, the body's use of other hormones and vitamins, and the growth and maturation of body tissues.

Production of thyroid hormones
The process of hormone synthesis begins in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). The TRH travels through the venous plexus located in the pituitary stalk to the pituitary gland, also in the brain.

In response, the pituitary gland then releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, also called thyrotropin) into the blood. The TSH travels to the thyroid gland and stimulates the thyroid to produce the two thyroid hormones, L-thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid gland also needs adequate amounts of dietary iodine to be able to produce T4 and T3, the molecules of which contain four and three atoms of iodine, respectively.

Diseases of the thyroid gland can result in either production of too much or too little thyroid hormone, thyroid nodules or goiter. Overactive thyroid disease is known as hyperthyroidism and underactive thyroid disease, as hypothyroidism. Thyroid problems are much more common in women than in men.

Regulation of thyroid hormone production
To prevent the overproduction or underproduction of thyroid hormones, the pituitary gland senses how much hormone is in the blood and adjusts production accordingly. For example, when there is too much thyroid hormone in the blood, TRH and TSH production are both decreased. The sum effect of this is to decrease the amount of TSH released from the pituitary gland and to reduce production of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland to restore the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood to normal. Defects in these regulatory pathways rarely may result in hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The most common cause of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism occurs due to problems within the thyroid and not the regulatory system.

10 Signs of Thyroid Problems
When your thyroid doesn't function, it can affect every aspect of your health, and in particular, weight, depression and energy levels. Since undiagnosed thyroid problems can dramatically increase your risk of obesity, heart disease, depression, anxiety, hair loss, sexual dysfunction, infertility and a host of other symptoms and health problems, it's important that you don't go undiagnosed. Here are 10 signs of possible thyroid related problems:

1. Fatigue: Feeling exhausted even when you have slept 8 to 10 hours a night or being unable to function without a nap can be signs of thyroid problems. Hyperthyroidism may cause nighttime insomnia.
2. Weight Changes: You may be trying to lose or gain weight. You change your food intake accordingly and your weight does not budge. Difficulty losing weight can be a sign of hypothyroidism, while losing weight while eating the same amount food may be a sign of hyperthyroidism.
3. Depression and anxiety: Panic disorder and anxiety attacks are symptomatic of hyperthyroidism. Depression is linked with hypothyroidism, especially if there is no response to antidepressants.
4. High cholesterol: When statins, diet and/or exercise do not help to lower high cholesterol levels, it can be a sign of undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Unusually low cholesterol levels may be a sign of hyperthyroidism.
5. Family history: There is a genetic component to thyroid issues, so if family members complain of goiter, gland trouble, or any other glandular problems, be aware of your family history.
6. Menstrual irregularities and fertility problems: Heavy, painful periods are often associated with hypothyroidism, while lighter, infrequent ones may be linked to hyperthyroidism. Infertility can be associated with undiagnosed thyroid conditions.
7. Bowel problems: Constipation is associated with hypothyroidism while diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is linked with hyperthyroidism.
8. Hair and skin changes: With hypothyroidism hair becomes brittle and dry, causing breakage and fall out. Eyebrows may suffer an unusual loss at the outer edges. Skin becomes coarse, dry and scaly. With hyperthyroidism, severe hair loss can also occur and the skin can become fragile and thin.
9. Neck discomfort/enlargement: Swelling in the neck, a hoarse voice or a visibly enlarged thyroid can all be signs of goiter, an enlarged thyroid gland that is a symptom of disease.
10. Muscle and joint pains/carpal tunnel/tendonitis: Aches and pains or weakness in the arms and a tendency to develop carpal tunnel in the arms/hands as well as tarsal tunnel in the legs, and plantar fasciitis in the feet can all indicate undiagnosed thyroid problems.