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Slow metabolism: can it depend on the thyroid?

By Cristiano Antonino On Apr 5, 2023

Let’s talk about metabolism. Our body receives, stores and uses a certain number of nutrients depending on the body’s needs: our physical shape is determined by a number of factors, including energy consumption, food intake, physical activity, genetics and age

There are many factors that change the metabolism, i.e. the process that transforms what we consume into energy, and slows it down.

Among these, there is the state of health of the thyroid.

What is Metabolism?

Metabolism is the set of biochemical processes that transform what we introduce with food into energy.

A fast metabolism means that the body processes food more quickly; a slow metabolism means that the body takes longer to process the assimilated food.

Muscle mass has a greater impact on metabolism than body weight: in fact, an obese person can consume less than a person of normal weight because they often have less muscle mass in addition to fat.

Basal metabolism

Basal metabolic rate is the energy expenditure necessary for vital metabolic functions, such as respiration, circulation, nervous system or digestive system activities.

This type of metabolism is calculated “at rest”.

Basal metabolic rate varies from person to person and can change over time depending on physical activity and muscle composition.

If you exercise regularly, your basal metabolic rate is higher than if you don’t exercise, and you burn more calories.

Metabolism: what is the thyroid for?

The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the anterior region of the neck, in front of the trachea, whose role is to produce thyroid hormones.

These hormones play an important role in the proper functioning of the body, especially in the context of metabolic functions:

regulate body temperature and lipid metabolism;
they contribute to the correct functioning of the cardiovascular system, to the basal metabolic rate and to the regularity of sleep;
they promote the growth of the body and the development of the nervous system of the fetus and child, allowing their correct psychophysical development.

Among the causes of a slow metabolism, there is also the influence of the thyroid hormones FT3 and FT4.

A reduced action of thyroid hormones causes a slowdown of all metabolic processes.

We are in a condition of hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism symptoms

Hypothyroidism is a thyroid dysfunction characterized by an insufficient production of thyroid hormones.

Hypothyroidism causes a slowdown in the body’s metabolic processes which, if left untreated, can lead to serious health consequences.

Although hypothyroidism usually starts asymptomatic, the most common symptoms include:

Tiredness and drowsiness
Constipation
Weight gain
Slow heart rate
Dryness and paleness of the skin
Cold intolerance
Hoarse voice
Memory loss and difficulty concentrating
Slowing of speech
Muscle weakness and cramps
Hypercholesterolemia
Irregular menstrual cycle
Brittle and thin hair
Swollen face and eyelids
Depression.

What tests should be done to diagnose hypothyroidism?

To diagnose hypothyroidism, simple blood tests are sufficient to evaluate the levels of thyroid hormones (FT4, FT3) and TSH levels.

The diagnosis also makes use of the dosage of anti-thyroid antibodies (anti-thyroglobulin and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies) to confirm the autoimmune nature of the thyroid malfunction and the ultrasound study of the thyroid.

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