What Is Thyroid Disorder?
Thyroid disease is a self-immune disorder that is caused by dysfunction of hormones in the thyroid gland which is located in the neck region of the body. Since the cause of this imbalance is unknown, the disorder can not be treated but can be managed by keeping the normal levels in check by medications and lifestyle changes.
The main function of this gland is to regulate the metabolism (the process of changing the food into the energy to be used by the body for functioning) of the body. Based on this, broadly, the disorders of the thyroid are of two types.
1. Hypothyroidism- The imbalance of hormones that causes slow metabolism in the body. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are feeling tired, forgetfulness, dry hair and skin, hoarseness of voice, weight gain, intolerance to extreme hot or cold temperatures, and heavy menstrual cycles in women. The conditions that can cause hypothyroidism are
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Thyroiditis - Inflammation of the thyroid gland. It can be due to bacterial, viral, or autoimmune reasons.
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Hashimoto's Disease - A condition in which body cells attack and kill the thyroid gland.
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Iodine Deficiency - This deficiency is seen mostly in hilly areas.
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Functioning Thyroid Gland by Birth - This is an inherited disorder that is found in 1 amongst 4000 childbirths.
2. Hyperthyroidism - The imbalance of hormones that causes faster metabolism in the body than normal. The symptoms are anxiety, irritability, mood swings, weight loss, muscle soreness, and visual impairments. The conditions that cause hyperthyroidism are
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Grave's Disease - Enlarged thyroid gland often called a toxic goiter.
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Nodules - Multinodular thyroid leading to overactive thyroid.
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Excessive Iodine - Excess of iodine in diet and salt can result in hyperthyroidism.
What Does a Runner Need to Know About Thyroid Disorder?
A physically fit and active individual is less prone to physical ailments, metabolic disorders, and heart diseases, yet the role of exercise on the endocrine (system of the body dealing with hormones) is not clear. Thyroid disorder is regarded as an annoying problem for runners.
Recent studies have found that intense running on a daily basis can increase the risk of suppression of metabolism. Though runners are physically fit, they are not invulnerable to the disease.
The early symptoms in runners may be deemed as effects of overtraining, while they actually may be the signs of subclinical hypothyroidism. The challenging point here remains that most often, the use of thyroid in runners may be termed as abuse in endurance sports like marathon running. Hence, there remains a stigma around taking thyroid supplements, even for treatment purposes.
While the thyroid disorder is most prevalent in elderly women runners, younger runners are also reported to have the disease. The prevalence of Grave's disease (autoimmune disorder having interactive thyroid)/and Hashimoto's (unstable levels of thyroid hormones initially appear as hyperthyroidism but over time transition to hypothyroidism) disease has been found in runners.
How Can Runners Manage Thyroid Disorder?
Thyroid disorder can cause problems like fatigue, tiredness, irritability, weight gain, and hair loss. It can disrupt the smooth training for runners and decrease their performance. Since there is no substitute for medication for a thyroid disorder, runners often avoid taking medication due to the stigma of abuse in endurance sports. This affects the health, and if left unattended, the thyroid disorder in runners can cause cardiac arrhythmia, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, and more serious heart problems, including heart failure.
Therefore, the proper management of the disease is very crucial. Steps that should be kept in consideration by runners regarding thyroid disorder are.
1. Immediate appointment with an endocrinologist (a doctor who is a specialist in treating hormonal disorders) should be fixed in case of unusual tiredness and less energy.
2. Levels of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), T3 (triiodothyronine), and T4 (thyroxine) should be regularly kept in check by runners.
3. In case thyroid disorder is diagnosed, a discussion with a specialist doctor about keeping the levels in control should be done.
3. A proper dose of hormone should be taken, as the wrong dose can lead to heart issues.
4. To regulate the load, the runners should start exercising besides running. This will help in regulating the load on a daily basis, and body muscles will get conditioned to take the load proportionately.
5. Taking up the high intensity and vigorous exercise at the very start can be strenuous and lead to injury. A stepwise approach to exercise and starting from low-intensity exercises is the correct approach.
6. Taking up non-impact exercises helps to build up the strong muscles. Strong muscles will lead to less fatigue and tiredness, hence increasing the performance of runners.
7. Taking up one form of exercise will not help much. Trying different forms of exercise maximizes the benefits of hypothyroidism.
Can Running Cause Thyroid Disease?
There has been no relatable evidence to show that running causes thyroid disorders. The levels of TSH, T3, and T4 have been altered during the training period for runners, but the levels are found to be back to normal after the training is over.
This change in thyroid levels may be the result of more demand for energy by the body during the training. Whether running causes thyroid disorder or thyroid disorder affects running is a debatable scenario. The effects of altered levels of thyroid can be dangerous for running if left untreated. Hence, timely assistance from a specialist who is well-versed in sports medicine is very beneficial.
Conclusion
Despite the stigma, the management of thyroid disorder by taking medication is very important; otherwise, with hypothyroidism, a high heart rate while running can lead to the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Since the disorder is for life long, periodic evaluation is needed to adjust the dosage timely. Hence, the runners need to be vigilant enough to understand the symptoms and to know very well when to see their physician. Proper treatment will help them to keep going with their sport without any significant thyroid crisis or consequences.
