Thyroid Imbalance: How It Affects Your Energy and Weight

What Is the Thyroid Gland and What Does It Do?

The thyroid is a gland that sits low on the front of the neck, below the larynx (voice box). Its primary job is to produce and release thyroid hormones, mainly thyroxine (T4) & triiodothyronine (T3).

These hormones are essential for controlling your metabolism. Metabolism is the process by which the human body converts the nutrients from food into usable energy. The rate at which your body uses energy, even at rest, is known as the basal metabolic rate (BMR).

Thyroid hormones set this rate. They determine the speed at which your body will burn calories, how fast your heart beats, and how your body regulates its temperature.

Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism

A thyroid imbalance occurs when the gland produces either too much or too little hormone.

• Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): A condition that arises when the thyroid gland does not generate or release an adequate amount of thyroid hormones. When hormone levels are low, the body's functions slow down.
• Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): The opposite condition, in which the thyroid produces excess hormones. This imbalance speeds up the body's metabolism and functions.

While both conditions are serious, the specific issues of weight gain and persistent fatigue are primarily associated with hypothyroidism.

How Hypothyroidism Affects Energy and Weight

Because thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, a shortage of these hormones has a direct, twofold effect on the body.

The Energy Connection

When the thyroid is underactive, the body's metabolic rate slows. This "slowing down" of your internal engine means cells are not functioning at their normal pace. For the individual, this is directly experienced as persistent fatigue, sluggishness, & a general lack of energy that is not relieved by rest.

The Weight Connection

The link between hypothyroidism and weight is complex but clear. A slower basal metabolic rate (BMR) means your body burns fewer calories at rest than it normally would. This can contribute to a calorie surplus, in which unused energy is stored, leading to weight gain.

However, the nature of this weight gain is specific. Hypothyroidism is rarely the sole cause of significant or excessive weight gain. The weight gain directly attributable to an underactive thyroid is typically modest, often 5 to 10 pounds. A large portion of this increase is not due to fat accumulation but to excess accumulation of salt and water in the body, a condition known as myxedema.

Common Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid

• Persistent fatigue, sluggishness, or feeling "run down"
• Modest weight gain
• Difficulty losing weight
• Increased sensitivity to cold (cold intolerance)
• Dry skin
• Thinning hair or hair loss
• Constipation
• Muscle aches, weakness, or stiffness
• Puffy face
• Slowed heart rate (bradycardia)
• Depression or slowed mental processes

What Causes Thyroid Function to Slow Down?

• Hashimoto’s Disease: This condition is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets and harms the thyroid gland. This assault compromises the gland's function and reduces its capacity to manufacture hormones.
• Treatment for Hyperthyroidism: Previous treatments for an overactive thyroid, such as radioactive iodine therapy or anti-thyroid medications, can sometimes result in permanent hypothyroidism
• Thyroid Surgery: The partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy), often done to treat thyroid nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism, will reduce or stop hormone production
• Radiation Therapy: Exposure to therapeutic radiation for head and neck malignancies can impair the thyroid gland, leading to the development of hypothyroidism
• Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland. It can cause the gland to release all its stored hormones at once (leading to brief hyperthyroidism), followed by a period of hypothyroidism that may or may not become permanent.
• Certain Medications: Some drugs can interfere with thyroid hormone production

How a Doctor Confirms a Thyroid Problem

• Medical and Family History: A doctor will discuss your symptoms, personal medical history, and whether any family members have had thyroid disease.
• Physical Exam: First, a physical exam will be conducted, including palpation of the neck to assess for thyroid gland enlargement (goiter), lumps, or nodules.
• Blood Tests: This is the most definitive way to diagnose a thyroid condition.
• TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): This is the most important and sensitive test. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and signals the thyroid to produce hormones. A high TSH level indicates the pituitary is trying to "shout" at an underactive thyroid to work harder.
• T4 (Thyroxine): This test measures the level of the primary hormone produced by the thyroid. A low T4 level combined with a high TSH level confirms the diagnosis of hypothyroidism.

Restoring Balance and Managing Symptoms

• Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy: The condition is managed by taking a daily oral medication.
• How It Works: This medication is a synthetic (man-made) version of the T4 hormone that the thyroid gland is failing to produce. It replaces this missing hormone, allowing the body's metabolism and functions to return to normal.
• Lifelong Monitoring: Treatment for hypothyroidism is typically lifelong. A healthcare provider will use regular TSH blood tests to monitor hormone levels and ensure the medication dosage is correct, adjusting it as needed over time.
• Symptom Resolution: Once the correct dosage is established, the medication typically resolves symptoms like fatigue and cold intolerance and helps stabilize the body's metabolic rate.

Sterling Hospital is Your Partner in Better Health Across Gujarat

At Sterling Hospital, we provide the utmost care and comfort throughout your journey to a healthier life. If you are looking for the best endocrinologist in ahmedabad-gurukul or Rajkot, we've got you covered. 

Our endocrine department is built with a team of the best endocrinologists in these regions to provide premium treatment and the best results.Contact Sterling Hospital to schedule a consultation and embark on a journey towards a healthier future.