Textbook pages 338-340

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 Thyroid disease occurs when the
thyroid gland doesn’t supply the proper
amount of hormones needed by the body.

The Thyroid Gland:

 Secretes hormones into the blood to

regulate metabolic processes including
growth and energy expenditure

 Part of the endocrine system.

 If the thyroid gland is overactive

(hyper) or sluggish (hypo) the metabolism
will be affected, causing a variety of
symptoms

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 The thyroid gland produces two
primary hormones:
 Thyroxine (T4) and
 Tri-iodothronine (T3)

 Iodine is essential for the production of

T3 and T4.

 The amount of T3 and T4 produced

affects the speed of metabolism.

 Pituitary gland releases TSH (Thyroid

Stimulating Hormone) and causes the
Thyroid to increase production of T3
and T4.

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The main 2 Thyroid Conditions are:

1. Hyperthyroid – Overactive
thyroid gland

2. Hypothyroid – Underactive
thyroid gland

 Goiter – enlargement of thyroid

gland.

 From overactive to underactive

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 Overactive thyroid

 Thyroid gland releases too much T4 and

T3 into the bloodstream, causing the
metabolism to speed up too much, using
up energy more quickly than it should.

 Most common cause is Graves’ disease.

 Symptoms include:

 Hair loss, Bulging eyes, Sweating and

sensitivity to heat,enlarged thyroid
(goiter), rapid pulse, weight loss
(despite an increased appetite), tremor
sweating of hands, nervousness,
agitation, anxiety, fatigue, diarrhea,
muscle weakness. 5
 Underactive thyroid

 Thyroid releases too little T4 and T3 into the

bloodstream, causing the metabolism to slow
down too much, using up energy more slowly
then it should.

 Symptoms include:

 Dry hair, loss of eyebrow hair, puffiness in

face, enlarged thyroid (goiter), decreased
heart rate, weight gain, lethargy and
fatigue, feeling cold, depression, reduced
concentration, dry skin, constipation,
infertility, brittle nails.

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 People with untreated thyroid disorders will experience low exercise
threshold due to:
 Slowed metabolism
 Breathlessness on minimal exertion

 Thyroid hormones play an important role in the regulation of blood pressure.

 Diastolic hypertension (high blood pressure) is a common
accompaniment of hypothyroidism.
 Atrial arrhythmias, limitations in exercise tolerance, and congestive heart
failure can occur from hyperthyroidism and are more common in older
patients.
 No high intense cardiovascular exercises

 Heart rate should not exceed 60%

 No heavy weight lifting

 No chest strength/resistance exercises

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 Slowed metabolism leads to excessive weight gain

 This lack of energy also leads to cravings for high sugar and fat
foods

 Even on medication this can continue to present as a problem

 No starvation dieting

 Changes in hormone levels will affect thyroid disorder and

medication e.g. pregnancy, menopause, use of contraceptives.

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Hyperthyroidism:
 Monitor their exertion
 Heart rate (resting heart rate
increased)
 Heating/cooling (changes in
heat tolerance)
 Maximal heart rate of 160bpm
 Low intensity
 Cardiovascular exercise
 Gradually increase duration
Hypothyroidism:
 Monitor their exertion
 Heart rate
 Heating/cooling
 Moderate intensity rate
 Aim = to increase Metabolism
 Lifestyle Changes
 Healthy Eating
 Exercise
 Exercise stimulates production
of TSH.
 Regular aerobic exercise
controls weight, regulates
hormones, controls blood
sugar, relieves depression,
avoids high cholesterol and
water retention and improves
circulation.
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 http://www.reverse-hypothyroid-symptoms.com/hypothyroidis
m-and-exercise.html

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