If your thyroid becomes under active (hypothyroidism) or over active (hyperthyroidism),
You may experience weight gain or weight loss

What is thyroid disease?

The thyroid gland makes two main hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones affect every cell in the body.
Several types of problems can arise when your thyroid produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism).
Thyroid can also be affected by various autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’s disease. The thyroid can also be affected by various types of cancer, Individuals need to be aware of their thyroid health and seek medical attention if they suspect a problem.

Who gets affected by thyroid ?

• Thyroid disease can affect anyone — men, women, infants, teenagers and the elderly
• Thyroid disease is very common with an estimated 20 million people in the Unites States having some type of thyroid disorder.
• Thyroid disorders are becoming a common affliction for women in today’s fast-paced world.
• A woman is about five to eight times more likely to be diagnosed with a thyroid condition than a man In India, there is still lack of awareness about thyroid disorders and their impact on health. This lack of understanding leads to delayed diagnoses, misdiagnoses, and inadequate treatment, leaving many people helpless and alone in their struggle.

You may be at a higher risk of developing a thyroid condition if you:

• Family history of thyroid disease.
• Take a medication that’s high in iodine (amiodarone).
• Have had treatment for a past thyroid condition or cancer (thyroidectomy or radiation).
• Unhealthy Eating Habits
• Low nutrition diet
• Sedentary lifestyle

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are two conditions that affect the thyroid gland and its hormone production.

Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. This condition also called overactive thyroid. This can cause an acceleration of the body’s metabolism,
Metabolism is a process where the food you take into your body is transformed into energy. This energy is used throughout your entire body to keep many of your body’s systems working correctly. Think of your metabolism as a generator. It takes in raw energy and uses it to power something bigger.
Hyperthyroidism affects between 1 and 3 percent of people in the United States and is more common in women.

Hyperthyroidism can also be caused by:

• Eating too much of foods that contain iodine.
• Inflammation of the thyroid due to viral infections, some medicines, or after pregnancy
• Graves disease
• Non-cancerous or cancerous growths that can develop in the thyroid gland and cause it to produce too much thyroid hormone.
• Thyroid Nodules Small lumps that can develop in the thyroid gland

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms – Common symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Frequent bowel movements
• Hair loss
• Heat intolerance
• Increased appetite
• Increased sweating
• Irregular menstrual periods in women
• brittle hair and nails
• bulging eyes (in Graves’ disease)
• Muscle weakness

It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect a problem with your thyroid gland, as proper treatment can help manage the symptoms and improve overall health.

Blood tests are also ordered to measure your thyroid hormones TSH, T3, and T4.

You may also have blood tests to check:

• Cholesterol levels
• Glucose
• Specialized thyroid tests like Thyroid receptor antibody (TRAb) or Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI)

How To Control Hyperthyroidism ?

Hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid) can be effectively managed with medical treatment, some lifestyle changes, and monitoring.

Here are some steps that can help control hyperthyroidism:

• lifestyle changes
• Regular exercise
• Medication
• Radioactive Iodine Therapy
• Manage stress