The thyroid is a small gland present in the neck area and performs many important bodily functions. It comes under your endocrine system and produces some hormones that play a significant role in controlling your metabolism.
If it doesn’t work properly, it can negatively affect the functioning of your body systems. It can even affect your entire body. In such a situation, it’s best to see a thyroid specialist in NJ to get the necessary treatment and manage the thyroid problem.
This blog describes in detail the workings of the thyroid, its effect on different body functions, why you should go for testing and risk factors, etc. So, keep scrolling to have a better understanding of these things about the Thyroid.
Working of thyroid gland-
The pituitary gland in the brain and the thyroid gland are connected by a hormonal relay that is critical to the thyroid's operation. When the pituitary gland senses low thyroid hormone levels, it releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
TSH stimulates the thyroid to generate thyroid hormone by acting as a coaxing agent. Thyroxine (T4) makes up the majority of this hormone, with triiodothyronine (T3) making up a minor percentage. Although T4 is the more common form, T4 eventually changes into T3, or the "active" form.
T3 is essential because it is easily absorbed by body cell receptors, enabling key regulatory processes that sustain general health and equilibrium in the body.
Thyroid’s effect on bodily functions-
This butterfly-shaped gland can negatively impact the functions of your body. If you suspect any signs of problem associated with your thyroid, schedule your appointment with thyroid specialist doctors in NJ today. It is because if you ignore the signs, it can make the condition worse.
Irregular functioning of thyroid hormones can affect the following listed bodily functions-
- Metabolism.
- Breathing.
- Digestion.
- Heart rate.
- Brain functions.
- Fertility.
- Mental health
- Body temperature
Why should you go for thyroid testing?
Compared to men, women are more likely to experience low thyroid hormone levels, regardless of age. Unfortunately, these symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed as other conditions or written off as typical aging symptoms, which emphasizes the significance of thyroid health awareness, especially for women.
A blood test that measures Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels is the main diagnostic technique for hypothyroidism because of its high sensitivity. TSH reference values are normally seen in the range of 0.45 to 5.00 mIU/L. Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined as those with TSH levels between 5.00 and 9.99 mIU/L who frequently show no symptoms at all. In certain situations, a follow-up exam, known as T4, is given. Thyroid hormone replacement treatment (THRT) can effectively address thyroid malfunction and alleviate related symptoms, improving general health and well-being. A low T4 level typically signals the need for TRT.
Because so many people are still screened, hypothyroidism frequently goes undiagnosed. Though there is limited data to support the cost-effectiveness of routine thyroid screening for asymptomatic patients, it’s best to get it done regularly. Some thyroid specialists may suggest a different tactic: focusing on asymptomatic people who are more likely to get thyroid problems.
By concentrating on this particular group, testing may be used more wisely to find individuals who can benefit from early intervention and treatment, ensuring that resources for healthcare are allocated to the areas where they are most needed.
If subclinical hypothyroidism is treated with synthetic thyroid hormone, chances are high that it will decrease the risk of showing signs of severe health conditions. For example- Cardiovascular disease. The knowledge that high cholesterol levels can result from low thyroid hormone levels serves as the foundation for this strategy. This imbalance can be corrected with thyroid hormone medication, which may eliminate the need for further measures like statin therapy.
Thus, prompt and effective therapy is crucial for subclinical hypothyroidism, as proactive management of the condition not only helps to regulate thyroid function but may also prevent cardiovascular problems.
Risk factors that increase the development of thyroid disorder-
Generally speaking, anyone can get thyroid at any stage of a person's life. Women are more likely to get this disorder as compared to men. Following are the risk factors that increase the chances of developing signs of thyroid disorder.
- Past family history of thyroid problems.
- Anemia.
- Type-1 diabetes.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Consuming any medicine with high iodine content.
- 60 or more years old.
If you suspect you have any of the above-listed risk factors, the time has come to see a thyroid specialist doctor in NJ. Consult them to know if you are healthy and at risk of thyroid problems. Timely diagnosis of any serious health problem can help you manage the condition and reduce the chances of developing any severe problem later.
