appropriate amount of iodine<\/a> is absorbed by the thyroid gland to manufacture the above-mentioned hormones, while the kidneys excrete the rest of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe job of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the body is to keep the T3 and T4 hormones in a well-balanced proportion in the circulating system. Under ideal conditions, excessive fluctuations in their blood serum values automatically alert the brain, or more specifically, the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus then either stops or increases its production of the thyroid releasing hormone or TRH, which helps restore the balance between the thyroid hormones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Low blood T3 and T4 levels stimulate the hypothalamus to secrete increased amounts of TRH, which acts on the pituitary gland to secrete more TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone. This chain of events leads to increased production of the thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similarly, high T3 and T4 levels in the blood have the opposite effects on the body\u2019s endocrine system. The hypothalamus secretes lesser TSH, simultaneously causing the pituitary gland to decrease its TSH secretion. Hence, fewer thyroid hormones are produced by the thyroid gland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Possible Thyroid Problems<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thyroid problems are generally related to increased or decreased production of thyroid hormones. These diseases could be a result of a variety of reasons, ranging from genetics to tumors of the thyroid gland. They are most commonly classified as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. An underacting thyroid gland produces fewer thyroid hormones and the condition is hence referred to as hypothyroidism. On the contrary, an overactive thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormone, resulting in hyperthyroidism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Fatigue<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the feeling of tiredness and fatigue is used interchangeably by the general public, this is not the case in the medical field. Tiredness tends to go away after a good night\u2019s sleep, whereas, fatigue associated with hypothyroidism or other thyroid problems lingers for long periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fatigue as an early warning sign of thyroid problems in women is often difficult to comprehend. Middle-aged women already experience fatigue due to menopause, so it is easy to mistake normal menopausal fatigue with pre-hypothyroidism fatigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Gastrointestinal Problems<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are commonly associated with diarrhea in hyperthyroidism and constipation in hypothyroidism. This presents as an early warning sign of thyroid problems in men and women equally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Increased Sensitivity to Temperature Changes<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A hyperactive thyroid causes an increased metabolic rate, which naturally increases the amount of body heat produced. Early warning signs of hyperthyroidism may present as heat intolerance, abnormal sweating, and brain fog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, an underactive thyroid lowers the metabolic rate below normal and the metabolic system struggles to provide the average heat to the body. This causes increased sensitivity to cold and impedes the body\u2019s otherwise natural ability to keep itself warm in cool temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Skin Problems<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people with hypothyroidism present with dry and flaky skin, while those with hyperthyroidism show excessively oily skin. This is due to changes in water retention and fat metabolism in the body. Additionally, patients may also present with excessive hair thinning or hair loss as an early warning sign of thyroid problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pigmentation around the neck also manifests as an early warning sign of thyroid problems in men and women. The hyperpigmentation in the skin folds of the neck is usually a sign of a malfunctioning thyroid gland. If you are someone facing a combination of all these symptoms, it is advised to get your thyroid levels tested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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