Thyroid gland is small butterfly shaped, located in the neck and responsible for various crucial activities of the body.
Thyroid gland is small butterfly shaped, located in the neck and responsible for various crucial activities of the body. Thyroid gland is responsible for the functioning of metabolism, growth, energy levels and also to overall functioning of body. Any abnormality in thyroid can lead to body disorders like goiter, thyroid cancer, nodules and other related conditions of thyroid. The levels of thyroid hormone can be produced in large or small quantities and condition is known as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Both these conditions are disorders and can lead to the conditions like mood swings, delayed growth, fatigue, tiredness, weight change etc. It is important to recognize the symptoms early and look for the treatment. Early detection helps in effective treatment of thyroid conditions.
Thyroid Diseases
Thyroid diseases is a group of thyroid related diseases which affects the conditions of the person’s growth. This gland is present in the neck with butterfly shape and is responsible for various vital activities of the body. Thyroid gland produces hormones in specific quantity for the normal growth and development. Any abnormal production higher or lower production of hormones from thyroid gland can lead to various health conditions. Lower production of hormones is called hypothyroidism (underactive) and is one of the common disorders related to thyroid. Higher production of thyroid hormone is called hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Another condition related to thyroid is goiter which is enlarged thyroid gland. There are various causes of thyroid conditions which includes genetic, hormonal changes, tumors etc.
Common Causes of Thyroid Diseases
There are various common causes, which can lead to thyroid diseases and these include:
-
Autoimmune Disorders
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (leading to hypothyroidism).
- Graves’ disease (causing hyperthyroidism).
-
Iodine Imbalance
- Too little iodine can cause goiter and hypothyroidism.
- Excess iodine may trigger hyperthyroidism.
-
Genetics
- Family history increases the risk of thyroid dysfunction.
-
Hormonal Changes
- This can occur due to pregnancy and menopause, which affects the body and hormonal makeup of the person.
-
Pituitary or Hypothalamic Dysfunction
- Disorders in these glands affect thyroid hormone regulation.
Types of Thyroid Diseases
-
Hypothyroidism
- This condition results due to underproduction of thyroid hormone.
- There are various symptoms related to this condition like hair loss, fatigue, weight gain, not able to tolerate cold.
-
Hyperthyroidism
- This condition results due to over production of thyroid hormones.
- There are various symptoms which are related to condition like anxiety, rapid heartbeat, appetite etc.
-
Goiter
- This condition results due to abnormal size change or enlarged size of thyroid gland. The condition is related to iodine deficiency.
-
Thyroid Nodules
- Lumps in the thyroid, mostly benign but sometimes cancerous.
-
Thyroid Cancer
- This is very serious condition in which thyroid gland cells get involved and leads to very serious condition at various levels.
-
Thyroiditis
- This condition is due to inflammation in thyroid which is related with Hashimoto’s or subacute thyroiditis.
Common Symptoms of Thyroid Diseases
-
Hypothyroidism related symptoms
- This condition is recognized with symptoms like dry skin, constipation, memory related issues, face swelling etc.
-
Hyperthyroidism related symptoms
- Various conditions like not able to tolerate heat, insomnia, not regular heartbeat etc.
-
Common symptoms related Goiter
- Person will have visible swelling in neck with conditions like swallowing difficulty and not able to breathe properly.
-
Thyroid Cancer common symptoms
- Thyroid cancer is the lump seen in neck. This condition is also related with symptoms like hoarseness, lymph nodes are swallowing etc.
Diagnostic Tests for Thyroid Diseases
-
Blood Tests
- TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone).
- Free T4 and Free T3 levels.
- Thyroid antibody tests for autoimmune thyroiditis.
-
Imaging Tests
- Thyroid ultrasound to check nodules or enlargement.
- Radioactive iodine uptake scan for hyperthyroidism.
-
Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB)
- To determine if nodules are cancerous.
-
Other Tests
- CT or MRI for large goiters or suspected cancer spread.
Thyroid Diseases Common Treatments
-
For Hypothyroidism
- Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy (Levothyroxine).
-
For Hyperthyroidism
- Drugs used to cure hyperthyroidism like propylthiouracil.
- Therapies like radioactive iodine can be used for the treatment of thyroid disease of hyperthyroidism.
- Surgery in case, above treatments won’t work well.
-
For Goiter
- Iodine supplements (if due to deficiency).
- Surgery if causing pressure symptoms.
-
For Thyroid Nodules
- Regular monitoring if benign.
- Surgery or radiofrequency ablation if large or suspicious.
-
For Thyroid Cancer
- Surgery (thyroidectomy).
- Radioactive iodine therapy.
- Hormone therapy to suppress cancer recurrence.
Click to Book, Tests for Thyroid Abnormality
Thyroid Profile (Book Now)
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) (Book Now)
Thyroid Profile Free (Book Now)
Antithyroid Antibodies Profile (Book Now)
Total (T3 & T4) (Book Now)
Conclusion
Thyroid gland is one of the vital glands having butterfly shape and produces hormones which regulate important functions of the body. There are various types of thyroid diseases like hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter etc. The levels of thyroid hormone can be produced in large or small quantities and condition is known as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Both these conditions are disorders and can lead to the conditions like mood swings, delayed growth, fatigue, tiredness, weight change etc. It is important to recognize the symptoms early and look for the treatment. All these conditions have different types of causes and different impact on the body. Thyroid hormones are related with metabolism and impact the metabolic activities of the body. There are various types of tests which are used for the detection of thyroid abnormalities. These test include T3 and T4 tests, CT, MRI and PET CT scan.
Frequently Asked Questions on Thyroid Diseases
What is hypothyroidism?
Inactive thyroid gland leading to low production of hormones
What is hyperthyroidism?
Overactive thyroid gland leading to the high production of hormones
Is thyroid disease fatal?
Yes, if left untreated for long durations of time.
Which tests are used for the detection of thyroid disease?
Tests like T3, T4, thyroid profile, CT scan, PET CT scan etc.
What are the common symptoms of thyroid diseases?
Common symptoms include metabolic disorders, shivering, enlarged neck, shivering, not able to tolerate cold etc.
