The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the front of the neck and is really important for energy regulation.
It produces thyroid hormones which are secreted into the bloodstream and then act as messengers, affecting cells and tissues and regulating many processes in the body.
We can use the analogy of a car when talking about the thyroid hormones: when the thyroid gland is working properly, the car is driving smoothly and there’s just the right amount of pressure on the accelerator pedal.
Within the body the thyroid hormones regulate our metabolism, keep our energy levels high, aid good sleep, regulate our bowels, and aid digestion.
When the thyroid hormones are not balanced and are running too high, it is akin to pushing down hard on the accelerator.
This leads to symptoms such as diarrhea, agitation, light or no periods, hunger, disrupted sleep, fast speech, and a “hyper” mood.
When the thyroid gland is sluggish and underactive, it is similar to pushing down on the brakes of the car.
The individual will feel sleepy, tired, low in mood, have long heavy periods, be constipated, gain weight, and have a low appetite.
They can also have dry skin and their hair can become thin or fall out.