The thyroid gland, an important organ of the endocrine system, is located in the front of the neck just below the voice box, or larynx. It consists of two lobes, one on each side of the windpipe or trachea. The thyroid produces three hormones: thyroxine, known as T4, triiodothyronine, or T3, and calcitonin. Calcitonin helps regulate calcium balance in the body. T3 and T4 play a large role in controlling metabolism by regulating the rate of cellular chemical activity that releases energy from nutrients or uses energy to create other substances, such as protein. The thyroid gland helps the body meet energy demands placed on it, as well as the heart function properly.
Disorders of the Thyroid Gland
Disorders of the thyroid gland can be caused by primary disease of the gland itself such as Hashimoto's disease, lack of the pituitary hormone known as thyroid stimulating hormone, iodine deficiency or radiation. All disorders result in an excess or a deficiency of thyroid hormones. An excess is known as hyperthyroidism, and a deficiency as hypothyroidism. Symptoms of these disorders depend on the degree of the hormone excess or deficiency and can range from very mild to very severe.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a common disorder. It is the underproduction of thyroid hormones. Mild hypothyroidism may be hard to detect without screening. A deficiency results in the slowing of the body's metabolic rate, which leads to weight gain, fatigue and lethargy, depression, weakness, shortness of breath on exertion, joint and muscle aches, muscle cramps, intolerance to cold, constipation, dry skin, headache and slowed heart rate, called bradycardia.
Slowed Heart Rate and Exercise
Dr. Ursula Maria Schmidt-Ott in "Thyroid Hormone and Heart Failure" writes that low T3 levels have been associated with reduced performance of the heart muscle. If the body's cells do not have adequate T3 or T4, metabolism is slowed down, and less energy is produced. This decrease in energy affects cells of the heart muscle, which requires a great deal of energy to meet increasing demands during activities such as exercise. Hypothyroidism also alters the gene expression of the heart and increases blood vessel resistance. All of these factors combined cause the heart to pump less strongly and cardiac output to be decreased.
Recommendations
Dr. James F. Balch, co-author of "Prescription for Natural Cures," recommends exercise as part of the treatment for hypothyroidism. Exercising stimulates and normalizes thyroid function. It also helps increase energy levels, fight depression and reduce stress. Stress is known to affect the thyroid's ability to manufacture thyroid hormones. Balch recommends that exercise be done on a daily basis.
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