The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ in your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. It produces specific hormones that play a role in nearly all body tissues and organs. These hormones are important for regulating metabolism, energy consumption, bone health, and body temperature.

Hypothyroidism

The medical term for a sluggish thyroid is hypothyroidism. Due to its slow function, not enough hormone enters the bloodstream, resulting in a slow metabolism. It is more common in women than men. Symptoms develop gradually. Sluggish function can have various causes, such as an autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s disease), another illness or inflammation, or medication.

Possible symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Fatigue
• Sensitivity to cold
• Slowness in thinking and acting
• Weight gain
• Mood disorders
• Slow bowel movements
• Stiff muscles and joints
• Muscle weakness

Hyperthyroidism

The medical term for an overactive thyroid is hyperthyroidism. With excessive activity, too much hormone enters the bloodstream, leading to a fast metabolism. It can have various causes. The most common cause is an autoimmune disease: Graves’ disease. Graves’ disease can also cause eye problems due to inflammation in the eye socket. Eye symptoms may include red or painful eyes, double vision, or protruding eyes. Other causes include inflammation or swelling that leads to excessive thyroid hormone production.

Possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Restlessness
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Sweaty skin
• Diarrhea

Do you want to know your thyroid hormone levels (TSH and free T4) in your blood?
These values are measured in theEnergy & Stress, Vital Organs, Total Health en PME comprehensive tests.

Sources

• Thuisarts.nl: schildklier-problemen. Available at https://www.thuisarts.nl/schildklier-problemen
• SON: Te trage schildklier. Available at https://schildklier.nl/schildklieraandoeningen/te-trage-schildklier/
• SON: Te snelle schildklier. Available at https://schildklier.nl/schildklieraandoeningen/te-snelle-schildklier/