Thyroid (Imbalance of the)

The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck, responsible for producing hormones that regulate the body's metabolism. However, sometimes the thyroid gland can produce too many or too few hormones, resulting in an imbalance that can cause a range of symptoms and health problems. This condition is known as thyroid imbalance, and it affects millions of people worldwide.

Causes and Risk Factors

There are several causes of thyroid imbalance, including autoimmune disorders, radiation therapy, surgical removal of the thyroid gland, and certain medications. The most common cause of thyroid imbalance is an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and damage. Other autoimmune disorders that can cause thyroid imbalance include Graves' disease and postpartum thyroiditis.

Risk factors for thyroid imbalance include age (older adults are at a higher risk), sex (women are more likely to develop thyroid imbalance than men), family history of thyroid disorders, and exposure to radiation.

Symptoms

The symptoms of thyroid imbalance can vary depending on whether the gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). In hyperthyroidism, the body's metabolism speeds up, causing symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, sweating, and difficulty sleeping. In hypothyroidism, the body's metabolism slows down, causing symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, depression, constipation, and dry skin.

Complications

If left untreated, thyroid imbalance can lead to several complications, including heart problems, osteoporosis, and infertility. In pregnant women, untreated thyroid imbalance can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems in the baby.

Prevention

Prevention of thyroid imbalance involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding exposure to radiation. People with a family history of thyroid disorders should be especially vigilant and get regular check-ups.

Treatment

Treatment for thyroid imbalance depends on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. In hyperthyroidism, treatment may involve medications such as beta-blockers and antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery to remove the thyroid gland. In hypothyroidism, treatment may involve hormone replacement therapy, which involves taking synthetic thyroid hormone pills.

Oriental Medicine

Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure are alternative treatments that have been used to treat thyroid imbalance. Oriental medicine, which includes Chinese and Korean medicine, involves using natural herbs and dietary changes to improve overall health and treat specific conditions, including thyroid imbalance. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to improve the flow of energy and reduce symptoms. Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body using the fingers, hands, or elbows to relieve symptoms.

While there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure in the treatment of thyroid imbalance, some studies have shown promising results. For example, a study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that acupuncture was effective in reducing symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Conclusion

Thyroid imbalance is a common condition that can cause a range of symptoms and health problems. While there is no cure for thyroid imbalance, treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure are alternative treatments that may be helpful in managing symptoms, but more research is needed to determine their effectiveness.

References:

• American Thyroid Association. Thyroid Function Tests. https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-function-tests/

• Mayo Clinic. Thyroid Disease. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thyroid-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-203 thyroid imbalance /d-20162292

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hypothyroidism

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hyperthyroidism

• Oriental Medicine Journal. Thyroid Disorders and Oriental Medicine. https://www.omjournal.org/articleDetails.aspx?articleID=26

• The Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Clinical observation on acupuncture treatment of hyperthyroidism. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12455226/

• World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion. Acupuncture for hyperthyroidism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S100352572100013X

• Zhang X, Zhang Z, Yang Y, et al. Clinical Observation on Acupuncture Treatment of Hypothyroidism. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2010;16(6):552-556. doi:10.1007/s11655-010-0603-x.