What does the thyroid gland do?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that produces thyroid hormones (T3, T4). Thyroid causes various metabolic changes in the body.
Thyroid issues occur when there is an abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Excessive hormone production results in hyperthyroidism, whereas inadequate hormone production leads to hypothyroidism.
The treatment of thyroid problems involves medications that balance the levels of both hormones. Most thyroid issues can be effectively managed if properly diagnosed and treated.
Effects of thyroid hormones on the body
The thyroid hormones impact the entire body. Some major effects of thyroid hormones include:
• Controlling the body’s metabolic rate, which impacts weight
• Regulating the heartbeat and body temperature
• Impacting brain development
• Controlling muscle contractions
• Affecting bone growth
Thyroid types and symptoms
Thyroid problems fall under two categories: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The symptoms of thyroid problems vary according to their types.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is caused due to low production of thyroid hormones. The manifestations of hypothyroidism are:
• Hashimoto’s thyroid disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes your metabolism to slow down, affecting your bodily functions. It is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism in women.
• Goitre occurs due to a deficiency of iodine in the diet.
• Postpartum thyroiditis is a lack of thyroid function in a woman after childbirth.
• Thyroidectomy following thyroid cancer surgery is another common cause of hypothyroidism.
Symptoms or side effects of hypothyroidism
• Neck swelling, known as goitre, especially in Hashimoto’s thyroid disease
• Weight gain
• Lethargy and chronic fatigue
• Low body temperature
• Constipation
• Puffy face and eyes
• Depression
• Hair loss
• Irregular periods
• Infertility
• Confused mind
• Low heart rate
• Hoarseness of voice
Hyperthyroidism
When your thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than your body requires, the condition is known as hyperthyroidism. The manifestations of hyperthyroidism are:
• Graves’ disease: The exact cause of Grave’s disease is unknown; however, genetics and environmental factors play significant roles.
• Toxic multinodular goitre: This accounts for most cases of hyperthyroidism after Grave’s disease.
• Thyroid adenoma: The benign thyroid gland tumour that produces an excess of thyroid hormones.
Symptoms or side effects of hyperthyroidism
• Unexplained weight loss
• Arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat
• Heart palpitations
• Tremors and muscle weakness
• Increased hunger
• Anxiety and irritability
• Sweating
• High sensitivity to heat
• Diarrhoea
• Chronic fatigue
• Hair loss
• Irregular periods in women
Diagnosis of thyroid problems
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism diagnosis involves physical examinations, blood tests for thyroid hormones, and thyroid gland scans. The various tests for thyroid problems include:
• Physical tests: For hypothyroidism, some symptoms of thyroid disease that include recent weight gain, skin condition, or history of thyroid issues like goitre are assessed by the doctor. Following this, a thyroid function test is recommended.
• For hyperthyroidism, the doctor checks for tenderness or enlargement of your thyroid gland, overactive reflexes, changes in your eyes, skin condition, and a slight tremor in your fingers when extended.
• Doctor’s also conduct a blood test that screens thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which signals the production of other thyroid hormones.
• When thyroxine is low and TSH is high, it could indicate hypothyroidism.
• When thyroxine is high and TSH is almost nonexistent, it could indicate hyperthyroidism.
• The thyroid peroxidase antibody test checks for an enzyme, TPO, essential for synthesising thyroid hormones. A TPO test helps detect TPO-specific blood antibodies. TPO antibodies in your blood indicate that an autoimmune condition like Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s thyroid disease is the root cause of your thyroid problems.
• Radioiodine reuptake test (RAIU): Radiation iodine uptake measures the thyroid gland’s capacity to absorb radioactivity, which allows medical professionals to assess the gland’s health. Individuals with hyperthyroidism exhibit a very high RAIU, whereas those with an underactive thyroid gland exhibit a low RAIU.
• Thyroid scans and ultrasounds produce images of the thyroid gland.
Treatment of thyroid problems
Thyroid disease treatment involves balancing healthy levels of thyroid hormones in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
For hypothyroidism, doctors may prescribe Levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone.
For hyperthyroidism, doctors may prescribe anti-thyroid medications to stop the thyroid gland from producing excessive hormones, gradually reducing the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Oral medication with radioactive iodine shrinks your thyroid gland.
You may have to take medicines every day to substitute thyroxine.
Precautions for thyroid problems
A good mix of lifestyle changes and nutritious food can help prevent thyroid issues. Regular exercise, avoiding certain goitrogenic foods like cabbage and cauliflower, and taking an iodine-rich diet can help prevent thyroid diseases.
Myths related to thyroid disease
You can’t lose weight if you have a thyroid problem.
This is the biggest myth associated with hypothyroidism. With a balanced diet and regular exercise, you can lose weight. It helps decrease the severity of the symptoms of thyroid disease.
You can cure hypothyroidism naturally.
Hypothyroidism occurs due to a lack of thyroid hormones. Unless thyroid hormone production is boosted, you will need tablets to meet your body’s requirements. However, the effects of thyroid deficiency can be managed using a lifestyle approach.
Thyroid can be managed
Thyroid problems can harm many bodily functions and your quality of life. Tests for thyroid problems are available, and the good news is that the symptoms can be controlled with an early diagnosis.
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