Here’s What the Experts Say about the Link between Thyroid and Cholesterol
For people who have been suffering problems like obesity, diabetes, hormonal fluctuations, etc., the terms "Thyroid" and "Cholesterol" may seem a little too familiar. Doctors often tell patients about the importance of keeping a check on both of these to stay healthy. Thyroid and cholesterol may be completely different from each other, but the deep connection between these 2 is often unexplored or underrated in its importance.
Before exploring the connection, one must know the basics of what thyroid is and what is the role of cholesterol in a person’s body.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is the fuel that is present in every cell of the body, which is used to produce the various enzymes and hormones that are essential for the body’s functioning. In the bloodstream, cholesterol can be divided into 2 categories:
● HDL or High-Density Cholesterol is healthy for the heart as it helps in the removal of excess cholesterol.
● LDL or Low-Density Cholesterol is unhealthy for the heart as it can clog the arteries through accumulation. This results in blockages, heart attacks, and strokes.
What is Thyroid?
A butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, the thyroid produces hormones that are essential in regularising the metabolism. Basically, it helps in the conversion of food and oxygen into useful energy, which is crucial to the functioning of organs, including brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. The pituitary gland controls the thyroid, which directs the release of thyroid hormones on sensing low levels of the same in the body.
Conditions of the Thyroid
The thyroid can be too little or too many hormones in some cases, both of which are harmful conditions for the body.
● Hypothyroidism, an under active thyroid, or the condition of producing too little hormones makes a person feel sluggish, cold, tired, or in pain.
● Hyperthyroidism, overactive thyroid, or the condition of producing more hormones than needed gives the person an elevated heart rate. This is often what makes a person shaky and nervous.
Connection Between Thyroid and Cholesterol
Thyroid hormones are an important part of the mechanism that makes the good cholesterol and gets rid of the bad cholesterol that the body doesn’t need. The reaction that the body gives under different conditions of Thyroid is different.
● For hypothyroidism, the body becomes unable or incapable of removing the excess of LDL, which results in sudden weight gain and other problems related to obesity, including heart diseases, diabetes, and even cancer. It even results in a lowered heart rate and lethargy.
● With hyperthyroidism, the effects are exactly the opposite. When there is too much breakdown of cholesterol, the levels get abnormally low, causing sudden weight loss. This increases heartbeat, causing sensitivity to heat, nervousness, incessant shaking, and trouble in sleep. Hyperthyroidism also increases the frequency of bowel movements.
If you have any of the symptoms that relate to an issue of the Thyroid, the better advice will be to get the levels of the Thyroid hormones, and cholesterol checked out through a lipid profile. This will help you gauge the condition better. For a full body checkup in Jodhpur, consider the best hospital in town, Medipulse, where you can have state of the art facilities and great service, alongside attractive packages for you and your family.