The endocrine organ system includes the thyroid gland, which produces biologically active substances - hormones. Hormones stimulate metabolism in cells and regulate every process of the body - breathing, digestion, sleep, movements, as well as the functioning of internal organs. The main function of the thyroid gland is to ensure normal metabolism in the body. 

Using the hormones produced by the thyroid gland, almost all metabolic processes in the body are affected. Although it may seem strange, the body is constantly breaking down old tissue and replacing it with new tissue. Different parts of the body regenerate at different rates. The layer of epithelial cells lining the inside of the intestine, known as the villi, regenerates itself very rapidly - every two to three days. Red blood cells - an important “transport” system for the body that supplies oxygen to living tissues and excretes waste, change every three months, while white blood cells - cells of the immune system that protect the body against infectious diseases and destroy harmful particles that have entered it, regenerate approximately every six months. If the thyroid gland does not function properly, the metabolism changes and the exchange of biologically active substances is disturbed, correspondingly causing disorders in other organs of the body. Healing processes may be disturbed, bruises are formed easily, tolerance of physical load reduces.

Thyroid gland function disorders can range from a minor, harmless enlargement of the thyroid gland that does not require treatment, to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid gland problems are related to the abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Excessive quantities of thyroid gland hormones cause a condition known as hyperthyroidism. In turn, insufficient hormone production causes hypothyroidism. Although the consequences can be unpleasant or uncomfortable, most thyroid gland problems can be prevented by early diagnosis and correct treatment.

So, insufficient thyroid gland function is called hypothyroidism. This means that hormones that are very important for metabolism are not sufficiently synthesised in the thyroid gland. This disease is more often diagnosed in women, especially after the age of 60. Hypothyroidism disrupts the normal balance or homeostasis of several biochemical reactions in the body. Since the body needs a certain amount of thyroid gland hormones to produce energy, a decrease in hormone production leads to insufficient energy levels, or exhaustion. 

Common causes of hypothyroidism.

1. Hashimoto's thyroiditis: an autoimmune disease in which the body's own antibodies attack the thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism. The tissue eventually dies and stops producing hormones. Hashimoto's thyroiditis most commonly develops in middle-aged women (50-60 years old), however, it can occur at any age; it can also occur in men, children and teenagers.
2. Thyroidectomy: The thyroid gland may be surgically removed or chemically destroyed. Thyroid gland surgery is necessary if the thyroid gland is enlarged, abnormally functioning nodules have formed, or thyroid cancer is suspected.
3. The use of certain medications (thyrostatic) or certain contrast dyes administered before specific examinations can expose the body to hypothyroidism. One such medication is lithium, which is used to treat certain mental disorders. If you take medications, ask your doctor about their effects on your thyroid gland. The maximum daily intake of iodine that is considered not to cause adverse health effects in an adult is 600 μg of iodine per day.
4. Radiation therapy to the head, neck, or upper chest can affect thyroid gland function and cause hypothyroidism.

There is an increased risk of hypothyroidism for:

• women over 60 years of age;
• persons with a family history of thyroid gland disease;
• persons with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, chronic inflammation;
• pregnant women and women in the postpartum period.

In the case of hypothyroidism, its characteristic signs and symptoms can be easily confused with other dysfunctions of the body, and it should also be taken into account that the symptoms of hypothyroidism can vary depending on the degree of hormone deficiency and age. Hypothyroidism is certainly not a disease that develops quickly; in general, symptoms tend to develop slowly, sometimes even over the course of several years. At the beginning of the disease, there may be only a few symptoms, such as constant fatigue, weight gain and sensitivity to cold. Usually, these things are associated with age and are often overlooked. 

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• fatigue;
• increased sensitivity to cold;
• constipation;
• dry skin;
• weight gain;
• swollen face;
• hoarseness, changes in voice timbre;
• muscle weakness, pain and stiffness;
• increased cholesterol level;
• irregular menstruation;
• fragility of hair and nails;
• poor memory, cognitive disorders.

You should definitely see a doctor if you feel tired for no reason or have any other signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism. After the age of 50, a blood test should be performed at least once a year, determining the thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH and free thyroxine T4, even if there are no signs of the disease. It is recommended to do this earlier for those people who have had thyroid gland diseases or have undergone operations that inhibit the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Young women with thyroid nodules, as well as those with a history of thyroid gland disease in next of kin, should have a thyroid gland function test on their to-do list.

For insufficient thyroid gland function, or hypothyroidism, we have developed a 100% natural, Latvian-made food supplement THYROKLER. The product, which contains bladderwrack (contains more vitamins and minerals than any other food product, inter alia, it is a natural source of iodine, which is organically included in cell metabolism), the trace elements zinc and selenium and the amino acid L-tyrosine, ensures the normal development of thyroid hormones and thus also the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. 

Learn more about the product here: THYROKLER