How does thyroid dysfunction affect overall health?
Thyroid dysfunction—whether the gland is under-active (hypothyroidism) or over-active (hyperthyroidism)—can have wide-ranging effects on overall health. Because the thyroid gland produces hormones that influence nearly every organ system, even relatively modest imbalances may ripple into many aspects of bodily function. What the thyroid does The thyroid gland regulates the production of hormones, chiefly thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which control metabolism, energy use, heart rate, body temperature, and protein production. When these hormones are too low or too high, basic processes in the body speed up or slow down, leading to a broad set of symptoms. Effects of low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, many systems slow down: Energy and metabolism : Individuals may experience fatigue, weight gain, intolerance to cold, dry skin, and slowed reflexes. Cardiovascular system : Hypothyroidism can reduce heart rate and...