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Low Metabolism & Thyroidectomy

Jul 13, 2011 | By Brenda Goodnough

Metabolism is the process by which your body converts carbohydrates, fat and protein into energy. Metabolism provides the energy your body needs to function including breathing, blood circulation, hormone regulation, food digestion, and growing and repairing cells. Removal of the thyroid gland impacts the body's metabolism.

Thyroid Gland

The thyroid is a small gland located in front of the neck that produces the hormones thyroxine, or T4, triiodothyronine, or T3, and calcitonin. The thyroid controls the body's metabolism and calcium balance. T3 and T4 stimulate every tissue in the body to produce proteins and increase oxygen consumption; calcitonin works with parathyroid hormone to regulate calcium levels.

Thyroidectomy

A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure removing part, or all, of the thyroid. Reasons for having a thyroidectomy include thyroid cancer, noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland, or goiter and overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism. The amount of thyroid removed depends on the reason for surgery. If you have a partial thyroidectomy, the remaining portion of your thyroid takes over and may function normally. If you have a complete thyroidectomy, you will need daily hormone replacement.

Hormone Replacement

With a complete thyroidectomy, your body loses the ability to produce hormones and you develop signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. As a result, a daily supplement of thyroid hormone, generally levothyroxine, is required for normal thyroid function. According to a study published in the June-July 2010 issue of "Il Giornale di Chirurgia," T4 hormone replacement was of proved efficacy and improved the quality of life in those study patients with complete thyroidectomy. Hormone replacement is identical to the hormone naturally produced by the thyroid and performs all the same functions. Your doctor will determine the dosage of hormone replacement.

Methods to Increase Metabolism

Having a complete thyroidectomy poses some challenges to the metabolism. There are methods to overcome these challenges to create a healthy and efficient metabolism. The combination of a healthy diet and exercise is the best way to increase metabolism. Reducing caloric intake prevents the storage of excess carbohydrates and fat. Eating small, frequent meals provides your body with a constant supply of energy and keeps your metabolism elevated. Physical exercise increases metabolism by burning fat and increasing lean muscle mass. Aerobic exercise also keeps the metabolism elevated for 4 to 8 hours after exercising.

References

Article reviewed by Mia Paul Last updated on: Jul 13, 2011

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