Living with Thyroid Abnormalities
Session Title
Poster Session 1
Faculty Mentor
Janet Wojcik, Ph.D.
College
College of Education
Department
Physical Education, Sport & Human Performance
Abstract
Understanding thyroid dysfunction can help those with it better understand how to improve life with thyroid disease. There are a few diseases that affect the thyroid, which seem to play a pivotal part in not only the endocrine system, but overall health. It plays a part in thermoregulation, mood, and most importantly, the metabolic system. Graves Disease, better known as hyperthyroidism, is an overactive thyroid which can speed up metabolism causing adverse side effects such as rapid weight loss, inability to gain weight, mood disruption and even poor sleep cycles. Hashimoto’s Disease, which is sometimes referred to as hypothyroidism, is quite the opposite of hyperthyroidism where the thyroid is underactive. This can also disrupt sleep by making those afflicted by it sleepy during the day and keeping them awake at night, to neurological responses that alter mood, and slowing metabolism to what feels like a halt. This causes buildup of adipose tissue and makes it difficult to lose weight, which in turn can lead to other chronic diseases. Genetics, airborne and water contaminants, and even food can play a part in these diseases. Everything about thyroid dysfunction is not fully understood yet, but there is emerging research and recent breakthroughs. Targeted exercise can improve thyroid conditions. From tailored exercise programs, to targeting heart rate percentages, exercise physiologists can work to counteract thyroid dysfunction.
Course Assignment
PESH 381 – Wojcik
Previously Presented/Performed?
Winthrop University Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors, Rock Hill, SC, April 2023.
Type of Presentation
Poster presentation
Start Date
15-4-2023 12:00 PM
Living with Thyroid Abnormalities
Understanding thyroid dysfunction can help those with it better understand how to improve life with thyroid disease. There are a few diseases that affect the thyroid, which seem to play a pivotal part in not only the endocrine system, but overall health. It plays a part in thermoregulation, mood, and most importantly, the metabolic system. Graves Disease, better known as hyperthyroidism, is an overactive thyroid which can speed up metabolism causing adverse side effects such as rapid weight loss, inability to gain weight, mood disruption and even poor sleep cycles. Hashimoto’s Disease, which is sometimes referred to as hypothyroidism, is quite the opposite of hyperthyroidism where the thyroid is underactive. This can also disrupt sleep by making those afflicted by it sleepy during the day and keeping them awake at night, to neurological responses that alter mood, and slowing metabolism to what feels like a halt. This causes buildup of adipose tissue and makes it difficult to lose weight, which in turn can lead to other chronic diseases. Genetics, airborne and water contaminants, and even food can play a part in these diseases. Everything about thyroid dysfunction is not fully understood yet, but there is emerging research and recent breakthroughs. Targeted exercise can improve thyroid conditions. From tailored exercise programs, to targeting heart rate percentages, exercise physiologists can work to counteract thyroid dysfunction.
