Is oxidative stress related to thyroid diseases (Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s disease)?

March 16, 2021

Is oxidative stress related to thyroid diseases (Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s disease)?

There is a disease related to the thyroid gland called thyroid disease. This disease is more common in women than in men, and you may find out that you have a thyroid disease when you are diagnosed during a physical examination or when you have symptoms and go to a hospital for a checkup.

 

What is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly with its wings spread a little lower in the throat.


The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones. These thyroid hormones are responsible for stimulating metabolism to produce energy, regulating the amount of blood flowing from the heart to the rest of the body and body temperature, and activating the sympathetic nervous system.

Oxidative stress is also involved in this thyroid disease.

When the thyroid gland does not function properly, it may produce too much or too little thyroid hormone, causing symptoms of discomfort in the body.


About Thyroid Diseases

There are two types of thyroid disorders: those in which the function of the thyroid gland increases and those in which it decreases.

The first type of thyroid disease that causes an increase in thyroid function is Graves’ disease. This is a condition in which the function of the thyroid gland is increased and thyroid hormones are secreted in excess.


Symptoms such as rapid heart palpitations and “acorn eyes” (popping of the eyeballs) may occur. You may also experience increased heart rate, increased sweating, and persistent diarrhea. Other symptoms include fatigue, irritability, and insomnia.

Since this disease is caused by inflammation, especially in the thyroid gland, oxidative stress is naturally extremely high. In this case, it has been found that symptoms improve when oxidative stress is suppressed.


Contrary to this disease, Hashimoto’s disease is well known as a disease in which the function of the thyroid gland is reduced. As the function of the thyroid gland is reduced, it becomes difficult to produce thyroid hormones.

This can cause swelling of the face and body, dry skin, and fatigue. In addition, you may feel unmotivated and sluggish.

In this case, it has been shown that underactive thyroid gland function is also associated with increased oxidative stress in the thyroid gland region.


Finally.

Other thyroid diseases include tumors in the thyroid gland itself.

Even if you have a thyroid disease, some people may not experience any symptoms. In addition, symptoms may develop slowly and you may not be aware that you have a thyroid disorder. In recent years, thyroid disorders have been detected in health checkups, and the number of thyroid disorders is increasing, especially among women.

Since this disease is also related to oxidative stress, it is important to consider that oxidative stress is a factor in thyroid disease, whether the thyroid function is too high or too low.