The thyroid gland is a very small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck, yet it acts as the conductor overseeing our body's metabolism. Thyroid hormone influences nearly every bodily function, including heartbeat, thermoregulation, energy metabolism, digestive function, and nervous system activity. Much like an orchestra conductor setting the tempo, thyroid hormone plays a pivotal role in regulating our body's vitality.
When the secretion of this thyroid hormone becomes deficient, the condition is called hypothyroidism. When hormones are not produced adequately, every function in our body begins to slow down and suffer hypofunction, as if moving in slow motion. This closely resembles what the Donguibogam describes as fluid stagnation and energy blockage caused by weakness of the spleen and kidney, does it not?
A classic symptom is chronic fatigue. Even after a full night's sleep, waking up in the morning remains difficult, accompanied by constant lethargy and reduced concentration. Because metabolism slows, weight gain can occur without specific dietary changes, along with swelling of the body. In particular, puffy swelling in the face, hands, and feet is common. Feeling unusually sensitive to the cold and experiencing cold hands and feet also happen because thyroid hormone plays an essential role in thermoregulation. Hypofunction of the nervous system may also manifest as numbness in hands and feet or muscle pain.
Emotional shifts should not be overlooked. Psychological symptoms, such as unexplained feelings of depression, anxiety, and decreased memory, can accompany this condition. In addition, it can present in various ways, such as constipation, dry skin, alopecia, and voice changes, making it easy to dismiss all these symptoms as just being tired.
Hypothyroidism mainly arises from problems within the thyroid gland itself, with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, being the most common cause. It can also develop after thyroid surgery, radiotherapy, or from taking certain medications. In the early stages, symptoms are so subtle that they are difficult to notice; however, if left unattended, it can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, infertility, and neurological problems. Therefore, if the symptoms mentioned above appear together, visiting a medical facility for an accurate diagnosis and treatment is critical. Do not ignore your body's signals and take warm care of yourself.
