Thyroid Health — Why It Matters & How to Keep It Balanced
Jessica M
Sep 3, 2024
The Thyroid: A Small Gland with a Big Role
Your thyroid gland sits just below your Adam’s apple and releases two main hormones — T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). These hormones regulate how quickly your body converts food into energy, controls temperature, influences heart rate, and affects every cell’s metabolism.
When the thyroid is functioning properly, you feel energetic and balanced. But when it produces too little (hypothyroidism) or too much (hyperthyroidism) hormone, your body begins to show warning signs.
Common Thyroid Disorders
Hypothyroidism (Underactive thyroid) — The thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones.
Symptoms: Fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, hair fall, depression, feeling cold, irregular periods.Hyperthyroidism (Overactive thyroid) — The gland makes too many hormones.
Symptoms: Weight loss, heat intolerance, irritability, palpitations, sweating, tremors, anxiety.Goitre and Thyroid Nodules — Enlargement or small lumps on the gland, which may or may not affect hormone production.
Thyroiditis — Inflammation caused by infection or autoimmune issues (like Hashimoto’s or postpartum thyroiditis).
Thyroid Cancer — Though rare, it needs expert evaluation.
Dr. Misra frequently sees these conditions in both men and women, though women are affected more often due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause.
Why Thyroid Problems Are So Common
Iodine deficiency or excess in diet.
Autoimmune diseases where the body attacks its own thyroid cells.
Stress and poor sleep that disrupt hormone feedback loops.
Certain medications like lithium or amiodarone.
Family history of thyroid disorders.
Environmental toxins that interfere with hormone balance.
Modern lifestyles — high stress, irregular meals, and late nights — often worsen existing tendencies.
How the Thyroid Affects Your Whole Body
Energy & Metabolism: When thyroid levels drop, metabolism slows — leading to fatigue and weight gain.
Mood & Concentration: Hormones influence neurotransmitters like serotonin; imbalances can cause irritability or low mood.
Heart & Cholesterol: Hypothyroidism raises cholesterol; hyperthyroidism increases heart rate and palpitations.
Menstrual & Fertility Health: Thyroid disorders can cause irregular periods or infertility.
Pregnancy: Thyroid balance is crucial for fetal brain development.
Skin & Hair: Hair thinning, dryness, or puffiness often point to thyroid imbalance.
Diagnosis: Simple but Essential
A small blood test can reveal a lot about your thyroid. Dr. Misra typically recommends:
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): First-line test to evaluate thyroid function.
Free T3 and T4: To confirm hormone production levels.
Thyroid antibodies: To detect autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease).
Ultrasound or scan: If swelling or nodules are present.
At KIMS Hospital, Thane, patients benefit from advanced lab testing and quick reporting for accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type of thyroid disorder.
1. Hypothyroidism:
Treated with thyroxine tablets (synthetic T4).
Dose is customized; regular monitoring ensures precision.
Medication should be taken on an empty stomach every morning.
2. Hyperthyroidism:
Managed with anti-thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine therapy, or occasionally surgery.
Beta-blockers may be prescribed for symptoms like palpitations.
3. Nodules & Goitre:
Monitored with ultrasound; if suspicious, fine-needle aspiration (FNAC) may be advised.
4. Thyroid Cancer:
Early-stage cancers are highly treatable. Dr. Misra coordinates multidisciplinary care with oncologists and surgeons at KIMS.
The Holistic Approach to Thyroid Health
Dr. Misra’s treatment philosophy focuses on more than lab results. She considers lifestyle, stress, nutrition, and mental health as key components of thyroid wellness.
Lifestyle tips for balanced thyroid function:
Eat iodine-rich but not excessive foods: Iodized salt, dairy, eggs, seafood.
Include selenium and zinc: Found in nuts, seeds, and lentils.
Manage stress: Yoga, mindfulness, and regular sleep maintain hormonal balance.
Avoid over-consumption of goitrogenic foods (raw cabbage, soy, millet) if you have hypothyroidism.
Stay active: Exercise supports metabolism and mood.
Do not stop medicines abruptly: Always consult your doctor first.
Thyroid Disorders in Women
Women are five to eight times more likely to develop thyroid issues than men.
Key stages where screening is crucial:
Pregnancy: Uncontrolled hypothyroidism can affect baby’s brain development.
Postpartum: Temporary thyroiditis may occur within a year of delivery.
Menopause: Metabolism slows, mimicking thyroid symptoms — testing helps differentiate.
Dr. Misra routinely screens women planning pregnancy or facing menstrual irregularities to ensure thyroid stability.
Children and Thyroid Health
Thyroid hormones are vital for growth and brain development.
In children, hypothyroidism can cause:
Growth retardation
Learning difficulties
Delayed puberty
Pediatric screening ensures timely intervention, preventing irreversible effects.
Thyroid and Weight Connection
Patients often ask, “Is my weight gain due to thyroid issues?”
Yes, hypothyroidism can cause mild weight gain by slowing metabolism and increasing water retention.
However, thyroid correction alone doesn’t cause major weight loss — diet, activity, and sleep are equally crucial.
Dr. Misra provides integrated guidance for sustainable results.
Myths vs Facts
Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
“Only women get thyroid issues.” | Men and children can also develop thyroid disorders. |
“Once on thyroid medicine, you’ll need it forever.” | Some cases (like postpartum thyroiditis) resolve; others need lifelong care. |
“Natural supplements cure thyroid problems.” | No proven alternative can replace prescribed hormones. |
“You can skip medicine if you feel fine.” | Skipping doses leads to relapse — thyroid control needs consistency. |
When to See a Thyroid Specialist
Book an appointment if you notice:
Unexplained fatigue or mood changes
Weight changes despite diet control
Hair loss or brittle nails
Irregular or heavy periods
Neck swelling or discomfort while swallowing
Tremors or fast heartbeat
Early detection saves years of discomfort.
Living Well with Thyroid Disorders
With the right treatment and follow-up, thyroid patients can lead perfectly normal lives.
Dr. Misra recommends:
Annual thyroid profile tests
Routine check-ups every 3–6 months if on medication
Balanced lifestyle — healthy diet, daily exercise, and stress control
Regular sleep — aim for 7–8 hours nightly
Her personalized care ensures long-term balance and better quality of life.
Conclusion
Your thyroid may be small, but its influence is mighty. When it’s out of balance, it can affect every organ, mood, and metabolism. But with early diagnosis, medical supervision, and healthy living, you can restore and maintain thyroid health effortlessly.
If you’re noticing unexplained tiredness, mood swings, or neck swelling, don’t delay testing. Dr. Sukirti Misra, one of the best endocrinologists and thyroid specialists in Thane, provides compassionate, evidence-based thyroid care for patients of all ages at KIMS Hospital, Thane.
📍 KIMS Hospital, Thane (West), Maharashtra
📞 For appointments: +91 85910 39607
🌐 Call today to consult Dr. Sukirti Misra — your trusted thyroid specialist in Thane.
