Thyroid Hormones: Altering your energy levels

A butterfly shaped gland called Thyroid, is present just below the voice box in your neck. It secretes Thyroid Hormones namely Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) into the blood. These hormones are important for regulating body temperature, energy levels and other functions.

Most of the people know that thyroid gland secrete thyroid hormones and fluctuation in its levels can affect your energy. But what they don’t know is that there are two more glands which can also affect the energy levels of your body. Yes, Hypothalamus & Pituitary Gland (both located in brain) also produces hormones which can affect the functioning of Thyroid Gland, ultimately altering your energy levels.

Over-active thyroid keeps you energetic..

Over-activity of any of these glands- Hypothalamus, Pituitary and Thyroid gland may leads to over-secretion of thyroid hormones. This condition is known as hyperthyroidism.

Short of breath, fast heartbeat, anxiety, restlessness are a few symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It may be due to

• Excessive intake of iodine
• High intake of thyroid hormones and consumption of certain medications
• Tumor in the thyroid or pituitary gland
• Thyroiditis (an inflamed thyroid causing excessive production of thyroid hormones)
• Graves’ disease (an autoimmune disorder in which body attacks it own tissue)

Under-active thyroid causes drowsiness..
An under-active thyroid (Hypothyroidism) is responsible for decreased production of thyroid hormones.
Tiredness, depression, weight gain, slow heart rate and muscle weakness are majorly observed in hypothyroidism due to low energy levels. This may occur due to-

• Deficiency of iodine
• Stress
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune disorder in which body attacks it own tissue)
• radiation therapy for head and neck cancers
• treatment for hyperthyroidism, surgery or certain medications

Our body needs certain energy to actively function on a regular basis. Thyroid hormone plays an important role in your body’s metabolism and energy. ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) also know as the currency for energy is required for almost all processes of your body and thyroid hormones has an intense effect on its production. As the level of these hormones drops, your energy level also reduces, thus making you feel tired or drowsy.