The thyroid gland plays a very important role and if it is not working properly, it can cause a number of problems
If you constantly feel tired or are overweight for no apparent reason, you may have thyroid problems.
Symptoms of a thyroid disorder can be confused with general fatigue, but a simple thermometer test will help you determine if this is the case.
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck area, just above the collarbone.
Being one of the endocrine glands that produce hormones, it controls many processes in the body - ensuring proper metabolism, temperature, energy level and development.
Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland takes iodine from food and converts it into the hormones T3 and T4. For this reason, in areas where iodine is deficient, people often face thyroid problems.
Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are two hormones that the thyroid gland produces and they are responsible for metabolism.
Another hormone, calcitonin, regulates the level of calcium in the blood and bones.
One of the tasks of the thyroid gland is to provide us with enough energy. The first symptom that something is wrong is often fatigue.
The thyroid gland is responsible for growth and development. If a child does not get enough thyroid hormones during growth, it can lead to brain disorders and a decrease in IQ.
As a rule, the thyroid gland cannot be seen or felt. When its function is disturbed, the gland may increase in size and this disturbance is known as a goiter.
Hypothyroidism: Symptoms
Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the activity of the thyroid gland is reduced and it does not produce enough hormones.
A person can be born with a deficiency of the gland or develop the disorder later due to autoimmune diseases, radiation therapy, certain medications, or a lack of iodine in the diet.
Decreased production of thyroid hormones can limit the function of almost every organ in our body.
The main symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
Unexplained Weight Gain
Constipation
Depression
Tired
Pale, dry skin
Baldness
Hypersensitivity to cold
Doctors diagnose hypothyroidism by testing the level of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) as well as the level of T3 and T4.
How to check your thyroid at home with a thermometer
This test is recommended for anyone who has several symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Since the thyroid gland reflects the body's metabolism and heat is generated during metabolism, your body temperature can show how your thyroid gland is working.
For the test you will need a thermometer to measure basal body temperature. Such a thermometer is more sensitive and measures temperature changes more accurately than a conventional thermometer. Sold in pharmacies.
Keep the thermometer close to the bed.
Use the thermometer in the morning after waking up and before getting out of bed by placing it under your armpit for 10 minutes.
Record the temperature for one week.
The average core body temperature should be between 36.5 and 36.7 degrees Celsius. If on two repeat measurements your temperature is below 36.3 degrees Celsius, your thyroid may not be working properly.
For women of reproductive age, the test should be performed on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th day of the menstrual cycle, because during ovulation, an increase in the basal temperature can be observed and give incorrect results.
This test should not be used as a substitute for proper medical examination.
It will just give you a hint if you have thyroid imbalance.
How to restore thyroid function
Sleep and exercise
Good sleep and physical activity have a beneficial effect on all functions and processes in our body, including the restoration of hormonal balance. Exercise at least 30 minutes 3-4 times a week.
Take care of your emotional he alth
Sometimes thyroid dysfunction is a consequence of adrenal insufficiency that is overworked due to emotional burnout.
The thyroid tries to compensate for this and as a result its work is impaired. By addressing emotional issues, you can restore thyroid function.
Proper nutrition
Your diet should include foods rich in vitamin D (whole grains, nuts, root vegetables, fresh fruits) as well as iodine.
Use iodized s alt. Also pay attention to foods with tyrosine, such as white meat, fish, poultry, lentils, avocados, bananas and sesame seeds. You can also take B vitamin supplements.
