Things to know if you have a thyroid disorder and tips on winter and thyroid control/TSH issues
Thyroid hormones are the main hormones responsible for various body functions including metabolism. Hormonal imbalances of thyroid may be due to decreased production of thyroxine (slow acting thyroid) called Hypothyroidism, or its increased production (fast acting thyroid) called Hyperthyroidism.
In hypothyroidism, there may be cold intolerance (feeling colder than usual compared to previous or other patients in the same room or environment), dry skin, constipation, lethargy, weakness, fatigability, some weight gain, muscle pain, hair fall, memory issue, mood issues, menstrual issues, etc. However, in Hyperthyroidism there is heat intolerance (feeling more hot or warmer than earlier), increased sweating, palpitations, tremors, weight loss, anger, irritability, low flow menses in women, fractures, etc. Untreated thyroid may cause issues with the above including infertility. Good news is that thyroid is easily detectable and treatable. Doctor who deals with thyroid is a Hormone doctor called Endocrinologist.
Temperature is one part for the job of thyroid hormones. Some of us may be particularly susceptible to the after effects of the cold season, winter to Spring season. As the temperature cools, and drops at varying degrees, one of the very functions of thyroid to maintain temperature changes by increasing its hormones example: thyroxine. Winter withers and slows the metabolism of the body leading to laziness and the excuse of not doing exercise! However, this may be well the need for thyroid hormones to increase or may overlap with symptoms of low acting thyroid (hypothyroidism). If you experience worsening of your symptoms you may need quick testing of TSH and guidance from a doctor to fix it. Avoid shifting brands of thyroxine bottle to avoid any issue with tablets bioavailability. If after adjusting dose also you feel the same, you may need further help from a doctor to look into any new or parallel issues with thyroid hormone problems. Putting on extra pounds in winter may not always be thyroid, but actually the decreased routine activity or exercise and dietary changes (carb craving) of the season. Temper tantrums or mood swings or (depression and anxiety) another common symptom of hypothyroidism may also be uncovered in winters due to short days and long nights with lesser sunlight in day. You may need more time to warm up in winters with hypothyroidism.
As per one study, TSH may increase in the cold season (winter to spring) and decrease in summer and may fall in both healthy people as well as borderline thyroid issues. Some may actually become normal by summer season. However, it’s a clinical decision of the endocrinologist to treat or observe a particular patient. Irrespective of season and reason you may think of, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms as discussed above it's vital to get tested and prevent a complication / treatable disorder. One test may not signify starting treatment. Tell your symptoms carefully to the doctor to get best results for your hormonal imbalance. Thyroid is Treatable!
