January is Thyroid Awareness Month, an entire month dedicated to better understanding thyroid health and how to identify symptoms if there is a problem. Your thyroid is relatively small, but its function within your body is not. The function of the thyroid within your body is complex. Educating yourself about what it does, how to recognize an imbalance or other issues, and how to keep yourself healthy is important. We’re here to give you all the information you need about your thyroid.
What is a thyroid?
A thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. It is about two inches in length from side to side. When healthy, you cannot see or feel it at all. In fact, you probably don’t give too much thought at all about your thyroid. Although small, that one little gland is a part of your larger endocrine system and plays a significant role in your body. Your endocrine system is a network of many glands that create and secrete hormones. The thyroid, in particular, is responsible for the way that many of your major organs work, including your heart, brain, kidneys, skin, and liver.
While helping your major organs is important, your thyroid is also crucial for growth and development, especially during youth and adolescence. However, its primary function is to control the speed of your metabolism. This means it plays a key role in regulating vital processes like energy production and the overall pace at which your body operates.
How does it work?
Your thyroid works by secreting necessary hormones into your body. It is controlled by the pituitary gland, which releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to signal your gland to produce more or less of its hormones based on your body’s needs. Once released, these hormones travel throughout your body to regulate your metabolism. In doing so, it also regulates your blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, and body temperature and provides your body with energy. Your entire body can feel the effects if your thyroid is not working correctly.
How do you know if your thyroid is not functioning correctly?
Your thyroid secretes just enough hormones that your body needs. However, in some instances, it can produce too much or not enough of what your body needs, and as a result, problems can arise. Problems with your thyroid can be hard to pinpoint because the symptoms can be vast and mimic other conditions. Some symptoms might start small and could even last for years. Most people who have a thyroid-related problem don’t even realize it. An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in endocrine issues. They can diagnose and treat hormone-related conditions, including your thyroid. These are just some of the symptoms that may suggest a thyroid problem:
- Unexplained weight change
- Depression or anxiety
- Fatigue or low-energy
- Irregular menstruation
- Heart rate irregularities
- Muscle weakness or joint pain
- Brittle or thinning hair, dry skin
- Digestive issues
- Sensitivity to temperatures
- Puffiness around the eyes or face
- Hoarseness, swelling of the tongue
While these symptoms do not necessarily indicate a problem, it is a good idea to rule out your thyroid if an unknown condition exists. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms to see if you should consult an endocrinologist.
What causes poor thyroid health?
All thyroids should work the same, but several different factors might cause yours to act up. Some factors might be in your control, while others are entirely out of your control:
Gender and Age:
Women and older adults are at higher risk, especially during hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause.
Family History/Genetics:
A family history of thyroid disease increases your likelihood due to genetic factors.
Other Health Conditions:
Autoimmune diseases like diabetes or lupus often coincide with thyroid dysfunction.
Lifestyle:
Poor habits like smoking, inactivity, or sleep deprivation can disrupt thyroid health. Poor nutrition also plays a factor.
Medications:
Certain medications may interfere with thyroid hormone production.
Environmental Toxins:
Chemicals like BPA and pesticides can impair thyroid hormone regulation.
Nutritional Deficiencies:
Low iodine, selenium, or zinc levels hinder thyroid hormone production.
Chronic Stress:
Prolonged stress suppresses thyroid hormone production.
Hormonal Imbalance:
Fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, or cortisol affect thyroid regulation
What are some different types of thyroid problems?
If your symptoms indicate a thyroid problem, it can be reassuring to know that they are surprisingly common and very manageable for most people. In fact, 10% of people have some thyroid condition. They tend to affect women much more than men. Some thyroid-related diseases like the ones mentioned below can originate in the thyroid itself (primary) or the pituitary gland (secondary). Here are the four main problems that you might experience with your thyroid:
1. Hypothyroidism (underactive)
Your thyroid does not produce enough hormones.
2. Hyperthyroidism (overactive)
Your thyroid produces and releases more hormones than your body needs. 
3. Goiter
Your thyroid gland is enlarged.
4. Thyroid cancer
Cancer that begins in your thyroid tissue.
5. Hashimoto’s Disease
A thyroid disease caused by a problem with the immune system.
How to optimize your thyroid health
Maintaining thyroid health involves a combination of balanced nutrition, lifestyle choices, and regular health monitoring. A healthy thyroid requires a well-rounded diet that includes a variety of nutrients. Some foods that can help support thyroid health include:
Iodine-rich foods
These include seaweed, fish, dairy, and iodized salt.
Selenium-rich foods
These include nuts, seeds, and legumes.
Zinc-rich foods
These include whole grains, nuts, and lean meats.
Omega-3 fatty acids
These are found in fish and help decrease inflammation.
Antioxidants
These include vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C. They help protect the thyroid from damage.
Vitamin B
Vitamins B2, B3, and B6 activate some hormones produced by the thyroid. Foods high in vitamin B include fish, milk, eggs, offal, liver, beans, almonds, and grains.
Dark chocolate
Cacao contains antioxidants that can help prevent and treat cellular damage.
In addition to nutrition, managing stress through activities like yoga, meditation, or exercise is essential, as chronic stress can disrupt the thyroid’s hormonal balance. Avoiding exposure to environmental toxins, such as BPA and pesticides, using natural products, and eating organic food when possible can protect thyroid health. Regular check-ups and awareness of potential symptoms help detect issues early, even in seemingly healthy individuals. By prioritizing these habits, individuals can support their thyroid and overall well-being.
Thyroid testing and treatments
If you and your doctor suspect a thyroid problem, the first step is testing. A blood test can screen for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. An abnormal result can lead to a thyroid scan, which produces images of your thyroid. An ultrasound can also be performed.
If a problem is detected, there are many treatment options. The type of treatment depends entirely on the type of thyroid issue present. Adjusting diet, removing toxins, or managing stress can effectively treat some thyroid conditions. Some people may need medications, hormones, or even radiation therapy or chemotherapy. For more serious conditions, surgery may be necessary to remove part or all of the thyroid. It is possible to live without a thyroid, but life-long management will be required if this occurs
The most important thing is to never self-diagnose or treat a known thyroid problem. Doing so can worsen the condition. Always consult a doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
How Knew Health can support you
Although January is thyroid awareness month, Knew Health supports your thyroid health all year. We strive to keep our community healthy, and thyroid wellness is integral to that. As a Knew Health member, your Membership includes yearly preventive care visits with your primary care physician to discuss and manage any new symptoms. You also have access to 24/7 telemedicine and no-cost and discounted lab tests, which can help if thyroid testing is needed. Your yearly allowance can be used for high-quality supplements or stress-reducing activities like Yoga. And finally, if a condition persists, you can have peace of mind, knowing that your healthsharing community will share in any costs beyond your initial IUA. Contact us today or schedule a call with our Care Team to see if Knew Health can support your wellness goals this year.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to educate you about how to take care of your body and as a self-help tool for your own use so that you can reach your own health goals. It is not intended to treat or cure any specific illness and is not to replace the guidance provided by your own medical practitioner. This information will be used at your own risk based on your judgment. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to take appropriate action by seeking medical attention.
Sources
“All About the Thyroid.” AACE, www.aace.com/disease-and-conditions/thyroid/all-about-thyroid.
“Thyroid.” Cleveland Clinic, 7 Jun. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23188-thyroid.
