What is a underactive thyroid called?

If you are anything like me, when you first heard the words “underactive thyroid,” your brain immediately conjured up an image of a tiny gland with its arms crossed, fast asleep on the job. But what exactly is an underactive thyroid and what else can we call it? In this article, we will explore the topic in depth. So strap on your thinking cap and let’s dive right in!

Meet Your Thyroid Gland

Before we get into why our little gland might be taking some extended snooze time, let’s get to know it better! Located at the base of your neck just below your Adam’s apple, your thyroid gland may be small but it packs quite a punch as far as bodily functions go.

The main function of the thyroid gland is to produce hormones that regulate certain metabolic processes within our cells – think breathing, heart rate, body temperature regulation (fun stuff) – by regulating how much energy our bodies use (ahem, metabolism).

To sum things up thus far: without our petite hormone-producing friend down south (your throat), things could quickly spiral out of control hormonally-speaking (sassy wink).

A Tale Of Two Hormones

Thyroxine(T4)and triiodothyronine(T3) are two key hormones produced by our mighty little friend down south. T4 has four iodine atoms attached to each molecule while T3 only has three.

But why do we need both thyroxine and Triiodothyronine?? Well for starters..

T4 acts as somewhat of a hormone storage depot (think about those tins filled with goodies from grandma). It serves as a precursor which eventually converts into biologically active T3 after shedding(losing) one iodide atom from each molecule.

Think unlocking all substantial nutrients stored deep within cookies using different cookies cutter shapes. It’s like that!

T3, on the other hand is more active and powerful but isn’t as abundant in terms of our bodies needing it. Thus Biosynthesis converts a large % of T4 to T3 in order to allow our body needs better balance.

Underactive Thyroid Explained

Okay, now that we have answered some questions related to what and why, let’s tackle the main issue at hand: What else can we call an underactive thyroid?

The medical term for this condition is hypothyroidism – “hypo-” meaning low or under (like when you tell your friend their joke fell “under” the humor bar). Hypo could stand for “hip hip hooray” because who doesn’t love exceptional wellbeing (jk)!

But Why Does Hypothyroidism Happen??

Well there are quite a few reasons that an individual might have an underactive thyroid, including:

• Autoimmune disorder which causes inflammation within ones’ body
• Iodine deficiency – building blocks unavailable
• Genetics or hereditary influence I know, life is unfair.
• Removal of Working Thyroid gland- Perhaps During Surgery
• Radiation exposure/disorder drug usage.

Do These Symptoms Sound Familiar?

Our beloved little gland plays such a vast role in regulating many systems throughout our bodies so it’s not surprising that symptoms related to hypothyroidism can be quite far-reaching.. Let’s dive into some common signs including;

1) Dry skin 2) Weakness 3) Weight Gain
4) Unexplained exhaustion 5) Impared Brain Functions 6) Joint Aches and Pains
7) Chilly feeling/ often cold/ Intolerance towards cold temperature 8)Lack Of Interest

These are just some of the common issues individuals with an under-active thyroids may experience; Depression being also Common.

Why these symptoms you ask?

Due to the down regulation on various catabolic hormones and an upregulation in constantly being tired because biological energy production is slowing down while inflammation increases..

Understanding “Slow And Steady” In This Context

When we say that metabolic activity slows down, it means that several bodily functions may start taking longer due to lack of necessary circulation throughout ones’ body thus leading to symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite.

we naturally slow-down our basic cellular tasks/ metabolism and ensure regulative mechanisms kick into action by laying still when under cold surroundings.

Going back home for a warm bath sounds like a really good idea here!

Some other known factors related could be weight gain (hormonal imbalance) coupled with impared brain functioning where one can feel less inclined towards socializing but worry not there is hope!

Hypothyroidism Diagnosis

Now if you think or suspect yourself of having hypothyroidsim; Typically Doctors will conduct blood tests screening for T3/T4 levels.

Wherein Reductions in both substances would warn physicians about possible hypothyroidsm amongst other key indicators.. It’s always best practice these tests annually so doctors will better understand how well your thyroid is doing.

Thyroids & Pregnancy

Pregnancy itself bears its fair share of pressure on women but especially those whom have hypothyrodisim before pregnancy – this puts them at risk for potential complications during pregnancy..

During Pregnancy Care- Why Important?

Thyriod diseases often require life-long medical monitoring and care such as eating foods rich iodine contents which helps support healthy thyroxine hormone synthesis allowing us regulating vital organs better,

Even small hormonal changes could lead to severe conditions impacting Fetus growth causing miscarriage/ Stillborn babies mums who receive care during their pregnancies mostly become healthy without facing any obstacles,

Carrying out health check-ups REGULARLY with doctor recommendations should become the norm for those women battling hypo-thyroidism.

Treatment Options For Hypothyroidsm

The good news is that hypothyroidism is treatable, and there are a few different ways to go about it.

Medication Route- The Synthethetic Hormone Way!

Medication can be used which most patients usually take daily in pill-forms to properly balance hormones within ones body. Synthetic L-throxine (T4 hormone) could help tackle hormonal issues at root-level by ensuring levels of thyroxine do not deplete/stay on ideal levels preventing further thyroid disruption.

Feeling Zen = Nuances In Self Care Routines

Adopting healthy lifestyles; changes such as dietary consumption along side enhancing holistic living guidelines have huge significance on general wellness overall wellbeing..

Feeling like taking advantage of great views out with friends or binge watching Yellowstone all weekend.. We support that! Take a break and relax this hectic fast-pased world urges us to make otherwise.

A calmer mind feels much healthier contributing ultimately leading towards better individual self-care practices.

Final Thoughts

So now you know what an underactive thyroid gland is called (i.e., hypothyroidism), how it impacts our bodies and some actions we could take if anyone suspects they could be experiencing any symptoms related?

Early detection, Seeking medical attention affiliated care plans,alongside active participation in regulating your own lifestyle habits are among best strategies one can adopt when dealing with arguably a “lazy-like-minded” little pal down south (Winks).

While treatment plans vary case-by-case basis based on severity & complexity of respective individual’s conditions remember regular doctor appointments/(insert weekly rituals here)are shown to provide sustainable healthcare solutions thus improving standard-of-living whilst uplifting precision normally lacked while self-diagnosing.