THYROID IN WOMEN

Thyroid is becoming  more common in women due to their stress or other physiological causes.  In women it will effect Menstrual period, which effects ovulation and problem in getting pregnancy, during pregnancy health problems to the mother and baby.
Below is an overview of Thyroid Gland and its hormones.

THYROID is an endocrine gland situated at the root of the neck on either side of the trachea.

It weighs about 20-40gm and it is larger in Females than Males. In females the structure and the function of the thyroid gland changes during their different stages of  sexual cycle .

Its function increased in Pregnancy and Lactation and decreased in Menopause.

The gland recieves rich blood supply the amount of blood recieved perminute is five times more than its weight..

TYPES OF HORMONES:

Thyriod gland secrets three hormones

1.Tetraiodothyronine- T4 ( Thyroxine)

2.Triiodothyronine -T3

3.Calcitonin

T4 forms about the 90% of total secrection whereas T3 9-10% but the potency of T3 is more than T4. Thats why T3 act on target cells immediately but T4 acts slowly.

Calcitonin major role is maintenance of blood calcium level, it reduces blood calcium level by acting on bones,kidneys & intestine.

FORMATION OF HORMONES

Iodine and Tyrosine are helpful for the formation of thyroid hormones. These two are consumed through diet and are absorbed from Gastrointestinal Tract.

PRODUCTION OF THYROID HORMONES

Thyroid stimulating factor:Anterior pituatry secrets Thyroid stimulating factor which stimulates thyroid to release thyroid hormones. Normal Level of TSH approximately 2U/ml.

By administration of Thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroxine can be released with in 30 minutes. 

Iodide is also an important factor to regulate thyroid hormones, In the diet when the iodine level is moderate then it is Normal. When intake is high the enzymes which are helful for the synthesis of hormones are inhibited results in suppression of hormone synthesis.

FUNCTIONS OF THYROID HORMONES

• Maintains Basal Metabolic Rate of the body
• Stimulates growth hormone in children
• Maintains body weight
• Maintains body temperature
• Helps in production of redblood cells 
• Maintains Heart Rate and Respiratory rate
• Increases  in Apetite & Food intake
• Essential for the growth and normal function of the central nervous system.
• Maintains proper sleep
• Essential for the normal activity of the Skeletal muscle.
• Regulates menstrual cycle properly.

DISORDERS OF THYROID GLAND

HYPERTHYROIDISM- Oversecretion secretion of thyriod hormones

Symptoms: 

• High release of thyroxine the body temperature increases  resulting in excess sweating.    
• More secretion of thyroid hormones in central nervous system leads to extreme nervousness and develpos psychoneurotic problems 
• Weight of the body decreased 
• Due to stimulatory effect of thyroxine on neurons , the person cannot sleep.  
• Muscle weakness and Mild Muscle tremors in hands
• During Menustration Hyperthyroidism leads to reduce bleeding.
• The increased motility of gastrointestinal tract causes diarrhea
• Toxic Goiter-Enlargement of thyroid gland which occurs due to tumour in the gland. The size of the gland increases due to increase in the number of hormone secreting cells results in increase in hormone level also.

HYPOTHYROIDISM-Decreased secretion of thyroid hormones 

Symptoms:

• Swelling of the face
• Constipation
• Bagginess under the eyes
• Fatigue and muscular sluggishness 
• Decreases Cardio vascular function 
• Increases body weight 
• Loss / depressed hair growth 
• During Menustration hypothyroidism causes excess bleeding 
• Husky voice
• Mental sluggishness
• Change in voice to husky  
• Non toxic Goiter: Enlargement of thyroid gland but hormonal secretion reduced

THYROID CANCER

Cancer cells will form from the tissues of the thyroid gland.

 In thyroid cancer thyroid nodule will appear, some have symptoms of swelling or lump in the neck and causes difficulty in swallowing. The voice also become hoarse. All thyroid nodules are not cancerous after proper diagnostics doctor will confirm it.

TREATMENT

Hyperthyroidism: Treated by Antithyroid substances & in advanced cases thyroid gland will be removed called Thyroidectomy.

Hypothyroidism:Adminstartion of thyroid extract or ingestion of pure thyroxine in the form of tablets orally.
Thyroid cancer: Radioactive iodine,Hormone therapy,Radiation, Chemotherapy, Thyroidectomy removal of thyroid gland.
DIET plays an important role in controlling the thyroid so meet your dietician and follow the diet. The following are the some of the foods that should be avoided
HYPOTHYROIDISM:Bread,Pasta,Cereals,Soya fods,Broccoli,Spinach,Cabbage,Peaches,Pears,Strawberries
HYPERTHYROIDISM: Diary products,Soy,Corn,High intake of sugar, Caffiene,Refined products,Limit intake of iodized salt and supplements contains iodine.According to your thyroid level dietician will plan diet for you , follow the diet and your thyroid levels get normal soon.
Yoga and Meditation helps to overcome from the stress, anxiety and gives relaxation, proper sleep . If the symptoms are becoming more severe then meet the clinical psychologist.
Meet your Gyanecologist if you are facing any disturbances during Menstrual cycle.
Meet your physical therapist and they will take an assessment of your muscle tone , Respiratory rate, heart rate and plan the treatment for you. 
Some physio advices like 

• Walking
• Cardio workouts
• Aerobics
• Breathing exercises
• Muscle strengthening exercises like leg raises, pushups
• Relaxation postures   
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Zumba dance
• Body weight exercises helps in building muscle mass
• Do low intensity and moderate exercises 
• Exercises helps you to control thyroid levels.
• Regular checkups with doctor

By proper planning of your day with diet, medications, exercises and yoga will reduce your thyroid symptoms.


CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING ANY DIET AND EXERCISE PLAN