Thyroid Health: Discover Causes, Hormonal Balance & Simple Solutions

Every year, we hear that one of our family members, friends, or acquaintances is dealing with thyroid problems. You might wonder how the thyroid affects our health and how it becomes a severe problem for elderly people. There’s a reason behind it, but before that, let’s get a sneak peek into basic thyroid theory.

The thyroid gland is butterfly-shaped in the front middle portion of our neck and is responsible for producing hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. Hormonal balance is essential for our body, as it maintains body temperature, weight, and many other things. If you have excess facial hairs or fluctuations in body weight – it’s a sign of hormonal imbalance. Also, thyroid problems are more prevalent in old age because the gland undergoes anatomical changes with aging leading to decreased function and increased autoimmune disease.

The two main types of thyroid disease are- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

Symptoms

1. Symptoms of Hypothyroidism –

• Fatigue even after adequate rest
• cold intolerance,
• Sudden weight gain,
• constipation,
• hair loss,
• brain fog,
• skin dryness,
• nail changes, and
• menstrual cycle changes (irregular cycling)

2. Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism –

• Papitations
• Skin changes – warm skin, excessive sweating, red palms
• Weight loss
• Nail changes and hair loss
• Sleep disturbances, anxiety, irritability
• Eye problems
• Muscle weakness

Note – both hypo & hyperthyroidism can cause or worsen psychiatric issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD etc.

How can we manage these issues? Here’s the solution to this problem! add these simple steps to your daily routine. You may use Google Calendar or sticky notes for the general reminders.

Solutions

Here are go-to simple solutions for your thyroid problems:-

• Consult with a doctor (physician/ endocrinologist), get investigated and take treatment as advised. Regular treatment is crucial to maintain a balanced state.
• Lifestyle modifications such as eating a balanced diet, using iodized salt, sea food, avoiding processed foods, managing stress and physical activity etc.
• You may consider consulting a nutritionist for specific advice on diet & weight management.

Conclusion

Therefore, thyroid health plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked. Understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms, and adopting simple lifestyle changes—such as a balanced diet, stress management, and regular checkups—can help you maintain hormonal balance and prevent long-term complications. We appeal to everyone who has come here to prioritize their thyroid health today for a healthier, happier tomorrow despite age factors. Remember, small steps today can lead to significant improvements in the future.