In modern medicine, the lack of warmth in blood described in Donguibogam can be closely linked to hypothyroidism. The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland located at the front of the neck secretes thyroid hormone, which plays a vital role like our body's control tower. These hormones affect every cell in our body and play a central role in regulating the metabolic rate. In simple terms, it serves as our body's energy power plant and thermostat.
When thyroid function declines, hormone secretion decreases and the body's metabolic rate slows significantly. Consequently, several symptoms appear. First, generalized cold sensation, feeling cold all over and being extremely sensitive to low temperatures, occurs because insufficient thyroid hormone prevents the body from generating heat properly. It is just like a broken heating system causing indoor temperatures to fall continuously. Second, extreme fatigue and lethargy that do not resolve even with plenty of sleep occur because the factory producing energy fails to operate properly, leaving energy depleted. Third, gaining weight without any dietary changes happens because a dropped metabolic rate prevents calories consumed from being burned as energy, leading to accumulation in the body. Fourth, dry skin and brittle hair that falls out easily also occur because the slowed metabolism delays the renewal cycle of skin and hair cells. In addition, various symptoms such as constipation, memory impairment, feelings of depression, and irregular menstruation can appear.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In this condition, our body's immune system mistakenly recognizes the thyroid gland as an external invader and attacks it, leading to diminished function. Other causes may include iodine deficiency, though rare, certain medications, and states following thyroid surgery or radiotherapy. Just as Donguibogam emphasized the warmth and circulation of blood, modern medicine has revealed that thyroid hormone is the key factor determining our body's vitality and temperature. If you are constantly fatigued and cold, remember that it might not be simple frailty; your thyroid gland, the control tower of your body, may be sending an emergency signal. It can be accurately diagnosed by checking thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine levels through a blood test.
