
Thyroid Disease 101: Early Diagnosis and Treatment are Key
Thyroid Disease 101: Early Diagnosis
and Treatment are Key
The thyroid is a small hormone-producing and
butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of your neck. It is wrapped around
the windpipe, and it is a part of an intricated network of glands known as the
endocrine system. It has a significant role to play in the human body. Its
primary function is to produce thyroid hormones that help to regulate
metabolism and overall body temperature. Your metabolism turns food into energy
that allows the body systems to work correctly. It is a small but mighty gland
that influences each body area, including heart function, digestive function,
muscle control, mood, and brain development.
Thyroid hormones tell
the body how much energy to use for the proper regulation of the body's
functions. When working in the proper manner, it maintains the required level
of hormones to keep your metabolic rate correct. On the other hand, malfunction
of this gland can impact your entire body and cause a number of disorders.
Several risk factors
and symptoms of thyroid problems can be treated very well if you seek medical
help timely.
Risk Factors of Thyroid Problems
Estimatingly, about 20 million people suffer from
thyroid disease every year. Although thyroid disease can affect everyone, women
are 8 times more likely to develop it than men. This condition can develop at
birth or as you age. Usually, it is inherited or caused by other medical
conditions that influence how your thyroid gland works.
·
You are
more likely to develop thyroid disease if:
·
Your
family history has thyroid disease
·
You have
an underlying medical condition, like anemia, lupus, diabetes, Turner syndrome,
or rheumatoid arthritis.
·
You have
cancer
·
You are
older than 60, particularly in women
·
Your
medications are high in iodine
Likewise, type 1
diabetes can also put you at a higher risk of developing thyroid disease.
Types of Thyroid Disease
Thyroid disease can range from mild to
life-threatening goiters. The two most common thyroid problems include the abnormal
production of thyroid hormones, either higher than needed or lower. Both
conditions are severe and require immediate medical attention.
These two conditions
are termed as:
1- Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid can produce too many
hormones, and your body uses energy too quickly. This condition is termed
hyperthyroidism. It is dangerous because it can cause a faster heartbeat, and
weight loss can occur without even trying. If you do not treat it timely, it
can lead to serious heart, bone, and other problems. Hyperthyroidism can also
be prompted by other disorders that affect the way the thyroid gland works. For
instance, Grave's disease is an autoimmune disorder connected with eye
problems. It is one of the leading causes of hyperthyroidism. Likewise,
excessive dosage of iodine and overactive nodules can also cause this
condition.
2- Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland
produces too few hormones, making your body function on lower energy levels.
This condition can cause internal weakness, weight gain, and extreme fatigue.
Like hyperthyroidism, it can also be prompted by other disorders. For instance,
Hashimoto thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease where cells attack and damage
the thyroid. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Non-functioning
thyroid at birth, gland inflammation, and iodine deficiency can also cause this
condition.
Symptoms
Following are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism:
·
Trouble
sleeping
·
Weight
loss
·
Muscle
weakness or tremors
·
Anxiety,
irritability, and nervousness
·
Enlarged
thyroid gland
·
Irregular
menstrual periods or no menstruation cycles altogether
·
Vision
problems or eye irritation
·
Sensitivity
to heat
Following are the
symptoms of hypothyroidism:
·
Excessive
fatigue
·
Forgetfulness
·
Weight
gain
·
Frequent
or heavy menstrual period
·
A hoarse
voice
·
Dry or
coarse hair, hair loss
·
Intolerance
of cold temperatures
Early Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have been experiencing any of the signs
mentioned above, you need to visit your physician right away. Your doctor will
examine your symptoms to diagnose thyroid disease. Initially, they will do a
complete family history and physical exam. Then a blood test is conducted to
measure the levels of thyroid hormone. It will determine whether there is a
problem. Depending on the result of the first test, further tests are given,
such as an ultrasound or other imaging tests.
Now, if you have been
diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, treatments will be aimed at blocking from
producing excessive hormones. For this, antithyroid drugs are used to prevent
the thyroid from making hormones. Moreover, doctors also give a big dose of
radioactive iodine in the form of a tablet to disrupt the gland's performance
and stop it from producing excessive hormones. In some extreme cases, surgery
is needed to remove the gland altogether.
On the other hand,
the primary treatment for hypothyroidism is to take thyroid hormone replacement
medication. It will help the gland to produce more hormones and meet the
optimal levels.
Conclusion
Although thyroid disease can not be prevented in
most of the cases, you can still avoid severe complications commonly caused by
it through early diagnosis and following your treatment plan.
If you want more
information or an appointment with a professional, you can get it booked with
the best endocrinologist through Marham.