An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is a condition that occurs when your thyroid gland is underproductive and doesn't produce enough of certain hormones. This underproduction can affect your metabolism and lead to obesity. Hypothyroidism can also cause fatigue, joint pain, muscle stiffness, weakness, high cholesterol and heart disease. Exercise can be helpful to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, control your weight and strengthen muscles if you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, though you may also be treated with synthetic thyroid hormones. Talk to your doctor about treatment options.
General Information
Your thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that is in front of your trachea. It produces two main hormones according to your body's needs, thyroxine, or T-4, and triidothyronine, or T-3. These hormones regulate your body's use of carbohydrates and fats, help regulate your heart rate and influence body temperature. The thyroid also produces a hormone called calcitonin, which regulates blood calcium levels. If your thyroid fails to produce enough of these regulating hormones, key chemical reactions in your body are upset and your health suffers.
Considerations
If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, it is important to do cardiovascular exercise at least five days a week to reduce your risk of heart disease. Though exercise is important, it might be difficult as fatigue, muscle and joint aches and muscle weakness often accompany the condition. In addition, a slow heart rate and respiration impairment is characteristic of the condition, leading to a short oxygen supply during exercise. Try low-intensity aerobic exercises like walking or cycling. Talk to your doctor about joining a low-intensity aerobic exercise program.
Exercise and Metabolism
Hypothyroidism decreases metabolism and leads to wait gain and obesity. Exercise increases metabolism both during activity and during rest for several hours following activity. According to "Neuroendocrinology Letters" aerobic exercise stimulates thyroid production and significantly increases the amount of circulating thyroid hormones. If you are not able to exercise at least five days a week, you can start slow and increase your activity as you feel comfortable.
Strength Training
In addition to aerobic exercise, strength training is important to help strengthen your muscles and maintain your fitness level. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends doing a strength training program twice a week. Make sure your strength program works all major muscle groups. Consult with your doctor about the safety of your strength training program for your health condition.
