May 25 – World Thyroid Day

The 25th of May marks World Thyroid Day. More than 750 million people worldwide suffer from thyroid diseases, or so-called thyroid diseases.

The thyroid gland is the “master regulator” of metabolism and the function of many organs and systems of the human body. It plays a key role in our health and could be the cause of infertility, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, among others. Although the diseases are common, in a large percentage of cases they go undiagnosed – yet almost half of people do not know they have a problem with their thyroid.

What is the role of the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland synthesizes hormones that regulate the body’s metabolic level, heart, muscle and digestive function, as well as brain development, bone maintenance and growth.

Its proper functioning depends on adequate intake of iodine as well as some other nutrients. The cells responsible for the production of thyroid hormones are specialized in the extraction and absorption of iodine from the circulation and its incorporation into hormonal synthesis.

The signal for thyroid hormone secretion comes from a significantly smaller gland – the pituitary. The pituitary gland produces the so-called TSH hormone (TSH, thyroid-stimulating hormone). TSH “tells” the thyroid how much hormone to secrete, and its levels rise and fall depending on the body’s need for more or less thyroid hormone.

The activity of the pituitary gland is directly influenced by the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood, but it also responds to signals from the hypothalamus, located immediately above it in the brain. The hypothalamus secretes its own TRH hormone (thyrotropin-releasing hormone), which stimulates the release of TSH hormone from the pituitary, which regulates thyroid activity.

Thyroid hormones

The thyroid gland produces thyroxine (also known as T4), which is a relatively inactive prohormone. The highly active thyroid hormone is triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid gland produces only about 20% of the body’s needed highly active T3. The rest of it is produced in various organs in the body such as the liver and kidneys. For this, they use special enzymes to convert the T4 provided by the thyroid into T3.

Hypo- and hyperfunction of the thyroid gland: symptoms

Typical symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• weight gain;
• slow heart rate;
• fatigue;
• more frequent and heavy menstrual cycles;
• memory problems;
• dry skin and hair;
• hoarse voice;
• cold intolerance;
• Hypofunction of the thyroid gland is often accompanied by enlargement of the gland, also known as “goiter”.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are rather opposite and include:

• weight loss;
• accelerated pulse;
• irritability;
• muscle weakness and tremors;
• irregular monthly cycle;
• sleep problems;
• eye irritations;
• sensitivity to heat.

Adverse symptoms from hypofunction and hyperfunction of the thyroid gland are associated with changes in the levels of thyroid hormones T3 and T4.

Causes of hypothyroidism

Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that can lead to decreased hormone secretion. A particular form of thyroiditis is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that can be inherited. In addition, thyroiditis can manifest in women after childbirth. This type of thyroid inflammation is called “postpartum” or “postpartum thyroiditis”. In the typical case, it is a temporary condition that affects only 5-9% of parturients.

Nutritional status is also important for thyroid function. Iodine deficiency is one of the major contributors to hypofunction as a precursor (raw material) for thyroid hormone production. Worldwide, about 100 million people (mostly in developing countries) suffer from iodine deficiency.

Causes of hyperthyroidism

Based’s disease is a condition in which there is overactivity of the thyroid gland and increased hormone production. Thyroiditis can also have the opposite effect and lead to the release of stored hormones in the thyroid gland. This uncontrolled outpouring of thyroid hormones becomes the cause of hyperthyroidism for several weeks or months. It is seen in some women after childbirth.

Thyroid health care

As you already know, iodine is one of the most important nutrients for maintaining a healthy thyroid. The body does not need large amounts of iodine to ensure adequate thyroid hormone production, but it does need the mineral frequently and continuously.

There are several other nutrients that are key to thyroid function, and are considerably more difficult to obtain. These are the amino acid tyrosine, vitamin D, zinc and selenium.

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