FRANKFURT. The thyroid gland has an important control function in our body: the organ, which weighs around 18 to 25 grams, produces hormones that influence metabolism and growth, the cardiovascular system, digestion, nerve and muscle activity and bone remodeling. Even our mental state is dependent on thyroid hormones. Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Christian Wüster is an endocrinologist and has specialized in thyroid diseases, among other things. For the specialist, who also treats patients from the Frankfurt area at the Hormone and Metabolism Center, one thing is certain: “If the thyroid gland gets out of balance, this has a massive impact on health and well-being.”
People who suffer from symptoms such as tiredness, listlessness or weight gain often don’t think that the symptoms could be related to a hormonal imbalance. Specialist Prof. Dr. Wüster knows: “The signs of an underactive thyroid are often unspecific and only appear gradually. They can therefore be easily overlooked, especially in the early stages.”
With an underactive thyroid, the organ produces too few hormones, which results in metabolic processes slowing down. Those affected often complain of a massive need to sleep, difficulty concentrating and sluggish digestion. “The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease,” explains Prof. Dr. Wüster. This is an autoimmune disease that affects around two percent of the adult population.
Conversely, the thyroid gland can also release too many hormones, which can also have a massive impact on the body. Hyperthyroidism often leads to an increased heart rate, sleep disorders, inner restlessness and weight loss. “This can also be caused by an autoimmune disease – Graves’ disease,” explains endocrinologist Prof. Dr. Wüster. Other causes include growths on the thyroid gland or disorders of the pituitary gland (hypophysis). The good news for those affected is that thyroid disorders are easily treatable if they are diagnosed correctly. Prof. Dr. Wüster recommends that symptoms should always be clarified by a specialist in endocrinology.