See the signs and symptoms to identify thyroid disorders

Actress Vitória Strada, who is now one of the participants of BBB 25, revealed that she faced serious health problems related to her thyroid. The Dr. Elaine Dias JKPhD in endocrinology from USP whose thesis was on the thyroid, explains that the thyroid is a small gland located at the base of the neck, responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism.

It plays a crucial role in several functions of the human body, in addition to influencing heart rate, mood and cognition.

The specialist points out signs and symptoms that may indicate that the gland is compromised: tiredness, discouragement, hair loss, brittle nails, difficulty losing weight, lack of focus, among others. They appear due to changes in TSH, a hormone that acts on the thyroid.

During stages of life, especially in women, there are hormonal dysfunctions that correspond to body evolution, such as in adolescence, when there is a peak in estrogen and progesterone and, consequently, a redistribution of subcutaneous fat, with an increase in glutes, thighs, arms, causing the first signs of cellulite and fluid retention. Still at this stage, there is an increase in testosterone, which causes excess oil in the skin and hair, causing acne, hair loss and mood changes”, comments endocrinologist Dr. Elaine.

Decreased metabolism

From the age of 30, there is a decrease in metabolism, which continues to reduce with each passing year, becoming even more pronounced after the age of 40, a phase in which the body begins to lose 1% of muscle per year.

During the climacteric period, the peak in LH and FSH hormones results in the loss of muscle mass, significantly reducing metabolism. With this comes a decrease in libido, more frequent mood changes arise, such as irritability and emotional lability, insomnia, hot flashes -known as hot flashes-, dry skin, thinning hair and bodily changes with sagging skin, redistribution of fats in a centripetal way, abdominal fat, in addition to cognitive changes, such as forgetfulness, difficulty focusing and reasoning, as if there were a cloud in the brain”, warns Dr. Elaine.

Therefore, it is essential to carry out annual follow-up with the endocrinologist and gynecologist, with hormonal tests such as the thyroid, ovaries and pituitary gland, TSH, Free T4, estrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH.

Ignorance of the disease

Diseases such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer affect more than 750 million individuals worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Around 60% of these people have the problem, but are unaware of it, the majority of whom are women.

The Dr. Elaine he also adds that, “to guarantee a positive hormonal result, a healthy lifestyle is also necessary, with regular physical activity, healthy eating and sleeping 7 to 9 hours per night. Therefore, the possibility of having any hormonal changes is much lower compared to those who do not have a healthy life”, concludes the doctor with a PhD in endocrinology from USP.