Is it the thyroid’s fault? How the gland can interfere with weight and fat gain

The thyroid gland regulates our entire body and directly affects the functioning of our organs. Understand your functions in the body

Today we celebrate the International Thyroid Day (25/05). The gland produces hormones that are essential for the body to function and is responsible for functions that many people cannot even imagine. Therefore, the International Thyroid Federation established the date in 2008 with the goal of helping increase awareness and understanding of glandular disorders.

According to physician and businessman Stanley Bittar, CEO of Stanley’s Holding, approximately 1.6 billion people worldwide may have a thyroid problem. In Brazil, it is estimated that about 15% of the population also has a fully functional gland.

Hypo and hyperthyroidism

“There is a great lack of knowledge on the topic. A survey conducted in 2020 by the YouGov Institute found that only 24% of respondents know that thyroid problems, for example, can harm fertility. And when this gland does not work well, it can release excessive or insufficient hormones, affecting the entire organism”, says the specialist.

The doctor explains that diseases of the gland are frequent and that, when it stops producing hormones in adequate quantities, the hypothyroidismwhich causes the body to start functioning more slowly. “In other words, the heart beats more slowly, the intestines become trapped, and growth may be impaired. Additionally, there is a lot of tiredness and weakness,” he says.

When production is excessive, the hyperthyroidismwhen the body starts to work too fast: the heart beats fast, the intestines can loosen up, and there is a lot of energy, but also a lot of tiredness. “In both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, an increase in the volume of the thyroid, called goiter, can occur,” explains the doctor.

Detecting thyroid problems, according to Stanley Bittar, involves evaluation of clinical symptoms, physical exams and laboratory tests. “Although there is no diet or cure that can prevent the onset of disorders, it is important to be aware of possible changes in the volume of the gland and also the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, seeking medical help as soon as possible,” he said. explained. recommend.

The main functions of the thyroid in the body

• Regulation of metabolism: The thyroid is responsible for the functioning of body temperature, heart rate and digestion, among others.
• Growth and development: Thyroid hormones are especially important during the growth and development of the brain and nervous system.
• Maintenance of the central nervous system: neurological function depends on a well-functioning thyroid. “These hormones affect people’s attention, memory, reaction speed and ability to concentrate,” Stanley says.
• Regulation of menstrual cycles: An unregulated thyroid can cause infertility, pregnancy complications and menstrual irregularities.
• Body weight: Depending on the production of hormones – excess or deficiency – it is possible to gain or lose weight.

Impacts on the heart

In addition to all these factors mentioned above, the thyroid helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, if not regulated, it can cause tachycardia, hypertension and even heart failure.

It’s also worth adding that both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can impact heart health. This is because lack of thyroid control can cause a low heart rate, when dealing with hypothyroidism, and arrhythmia or heart failure, related to hyperthyroidism.

“Hyperthyroidism accelerates the body’s vital functions. In this case, the heart responds with tachycardia, which may present arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, and in some cases, heart failure may develop due to the high demand for output In people who already have high blood pressure levels, the disease can become uncontrolled”, warns cardiologist Cláudio Catharina, of the Icaraí Hospital, in Niterói.

Additionally, in patients with coronary heart disease, thyroid dysfunction can trigger angina, the doctor adds.

“Hypothyroidism also affects the heart, which can impair its function and cause a slow heart rate and sometimes even an advanced blockage of the heart’s electrical stimulation. It can also worsen coronary heart disease and heart failure,” warns the doctor.

Furthermore, according to Cláudio, it is very common to have a leak in the pericardium, the membrane that surrounds the heart, due to what is called myxedema, a liquid infiltration of the serosa. “The pericardium and pleura are often affected,” he explains.

Is it the thyroid’s fault? Discover myths and truths about the gland

Because it is so important throughout the body, acting as a regulator of our organs, it is common to believe that any dysfunction in the body is the thyroid’s fault. Moreover, its functioning raises many doubts, and the dysfunctions caused by thyroid malfunction are still unknown to a large part of the population.

Dr. Ana Cristina Belsito, head of the endocrinology service at the São Vicente de Paulo Hospital (HSVP-RJ), clarifies the main myths and truths about the gland. Check:

Myths

• Obesity and tiredness are always the fault of the thyroid;
• The child has no thyroid problems;
• Thyroid problems always cause hair loss and weak nails;
• Children with thyroid problems do not grow;
• Every thyroid nodule is cancer.

Truth

• Thyroid problems alter metabolism;
• Hypothyroidism is dangerous in pregnancy;
• Hypothyroidism causes drowsiness and reduces performance in physical activities;
• Thyroid changes can cause depression;
• Hyperthyroidism can cause psychiatric conditions.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.