Your Guide to Nurturing Thyroid Wellness for Vitality

You may wonder, where is your thyroid located? The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, under the skin, below the voice box, and above the collarbone. It is about 2-inch-long, consisting of two lobes on either side of the trachea (windpipe) connected at the front by a narrow strip of tissue called the isthmus.

A healthy thyroid is not usually outwardly visible or able to be felt if finger pressure is applied to the neck. The thyroid glands are responsible for absorbing iodine and using it to produce triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) hormones which are vital in the metabolism of your body cells.

The early symptoms of thyroid problems are sometimes challenging to identify because they develop slowly and are often mistaken for the signs of other diseases. The signs also depend on your specific thyroid problem, whether overproduction, underproduction of thyroid hormones, or thyroid malignant cells. So, what are the early warning signs of thyroid problems? They include:

• Fatigue even after getting enough rest
• Muscle weakness or achy joints 
• Dry or rough skin
• Hair, and eyebrow loss or thinning
• Increased or decreased heart rate
• Excessive sleepiness, sleep disturbances, or insomnia
• Swelling in the neck (enlarged thyroid gland/goiter)
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Changes in the menstrual cycle like irregular cycles, lighter or heavier periods, etc.
• Mood swings, irritability, or mood disorders 
• Increased sensitivity to cold temperatures

Thyroid malignancies occur when cells in the thyroid gland undergo genetic mutations, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. The exact cause is unknown. However, those more likely to get thyroid malignancies  include women, older people, individuals with a family history of the big C, radiation exposure, and those with previous benign thyroid conditions.

The symptoms of this type of malignancy include difficulty swallowing or breathing, a hoarse voice, a sore throat that doesn’t go away, or a feeling like something is pressing against your neck.

You may also have a hard lump that slowly gets bigger but is not painful in the front lower part of your neck. When detected early, treatments for thyroid malignancies offer patients a significant survival rate.

Studies show that thyroid problems happen more often in women than men. The two common thyroid conditions are hyperthyroidism (when the thyroid glands make excess hormones) and hypothyroidism (when the thyroid glands produce inadequate hormones). However, hypothyroidism is more likely to occur.

So, what are the symptoms of thyroid problems in females? Thyroid problems in women include fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, constipation, hair thinning, increased or decreased heart rate, dry or rough skin, cold intolerance, brain fog, dull-brittle nails, and mental health issues, including mood swings, irritability, and mood disorders. Thyroid conditions also cause menstrual cycle changes, such as lighter, heavier, or irregular periods. Female patients may also have trouble conceiving or experience miscarriages.

You may ask, what are the symptoms of thyroid problems in males? The signs of thyroid problems in men are often the same as those in women. However, the only difference is in the way these problems affect the systems regulated by hormones in men, such as male reproductive health and sexual function. Here are the common signs of thyroid problems in males.

• Male breast enlargement (Gynecomastia)
• Low sperm count or quality leading to infertility
• Inability to get or maintain an erection (Erectile dysfunction)
• Hip and spine fractures
• Testicular atrophy
• Reduced sex drive or libido
• Premature or delayed ejaculation
• Decreased muscle mass and strength

While most thyroid conditions are painless, some, like thyroiditis, can cause pain. So, what does thyroid pain feel like? If you have thyroiditis, the area around the thyroid may be tender to the touch, and you may feel a sharp pain when you explore your neck where the thyroid is located. Most patients also describe it as a dull, throbbing ache or a sense of pressure in the front of the neck, where the thyroid gland should be. You may also feel pain or discomfort when turning your head or swallowing. Sometimes, the pain can spread to the jaw or ears and may last for weeks or, in rare cases, months.

Thyroid hormones play an integral role in controlling the metabolism of all the organs in the body. It’s, therefore, crucial to have healthy levels of these hormones in your body. While there is medication that can help increase thyroid function, using natural ways is more sustainable. Some ways to increase thyroid hormones naturally include eating iodine-rich foods, incorporating selenium-dense foods, and taking probiotics.

A balanced diet rich in zinc, vitamins A and C, and B vitamins  are also essential to ensure your body has the nutrients to fight off autoimmune responses that cause thyroid disorders. Moreover, lifestyle changes like regular exercise and stress management techniques such as meditation may increase metabolism, triggering the production of thyroid hormones.

Infections, autoimmune diseases, responses to certain medications, or radiation exposure can cause thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis). The inflammation can sometimes be painful and may affect the thyroid glands’ ability to produce T3 and T4 hormones. After carefully examining you, your doctor will advise you on how to reduce thyroid inflammation.

They may prescribe medication, or in some rare cases, you may need surgery. To manage the pain caused by subacute thyroiditis, doctors prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. You can also naturally reduce thyroid inflammation by taking foods with anti-inflammatory properties and avoiding refined foods, sugar, wheat, dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol.

Since there are natural ways to improve thyroid health, you may wonder, which fruit is good for thyroid? There is no single fruit that can specifically alleviate thyroid conditions. However, some specific ones, when taken as part of a balanced diet, can benefit people with thyroid issues due to their nutrient content.

Kiwi and Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, due to their high Vitamin C content, can help eliminate free radicals from the body and help reduce the risk of autoimmune conditions like autoimmune thyroiditis. In addition, apples, pineapples, and berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. These compounds are essential for supporting the immune system, leading to improved thyroid function.

The main reasons your thyroid may swell are thyroiditis or goiter. Here are tips on how to tell if your thyroid is swollen. When this happens, you may notice a protrusion on your neck just above the collarbone. You may also feel a soft, rubbery lump if you gently touch the region.

Additionally, you may experience breathing and swallowing difficulties because an enlarged thyroid puts pressure on the esophagus and the trachea. Your voice may also change and become a bit hoarse. If you suspect your thyroid is swollen, it’s best to seek medical help, have a doctor examine you, and provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if necessary.