Thyroid: Understanding the Gland and Its Impact on Health

HealthSquad June 1, 2023 Blogs
Thyroid: Understanding the Gland and Its Impact on Health

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduction
II. Types of Thyroid Disorders
  1. Hypothyroidism
  2. Hyperthyroidism
III. Symptoms and Causes of Thyroid Disorders
  1. Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
  2. Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
IV. Diagnosis and Treatment of Thyroid Disorders
V. Managing Thyroid Health through Lifestyle
  1. Diet and Nutrition
VI. Thyroid Disorders and Pregnancy
  1. Impact of Thyroid Disorders on Pregnancy
  2. Management and Treatment during Pregnancy
VII. Thyroid Disorders in Children
VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
IX. Conclusion
I. INTRODUCTION
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located near our neck. It produces important hormones which help our body to perform various important functions like regulating metabolism and maintaining body temperature. These functions are controlled by the thyroid with the help of two hormones that it produces i.e., T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). Let me take you through the process of how it really works.

There is a gland called the pituitary gland present in our skull which maintains the levels of T3 and T4 in our blood with the help of TSH hormones that it produces. If it senses high or low levels of T3 or T4 hormones in the blood, it releases a hormone called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). TSH goes to the thyroid gland and tells it to maintain the levels of T3 and T4 in blood by regulating their secretion.

It can affect anyone at any age. Women have a higher probability of getting diagnosed as compared to men.

II. Types of Thyroid Disorders

When the thyroid gland does not produce the right amount of T3 or T4 hormones, it can result in either excess or inadequate levels of T3 and T4 hormones in our body. There are primarily two types of thyroid disorders: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

  1. Hyperthyroidism Now since Thyroid hormones are responsible for metabolism, excess levels cause a high rate of metabolism in which the body uses energy at a high rate as compared to normal. This leads to tiredness and loss of body weight. This situation is known as hyperthyroidism. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease.
  2. Hypothyroidism – On the contrary, if the level of thyroid hormones is less in the body, the body will have a low metabolism rate and will result in weight gain and tiredness.
III. Symptoms and Causes of Thyroid Disorders
Symptoms depend on the patient whether she has hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
    Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Tremors in muscles
  • Increased heart rate
  • Mood swings
  • Irregular menstrual cycle
  • Eye problem
    Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Intolerance to cold temperature
  • Hair problem
  • Irregular menstrual cycle
IV. Diagnosis and Treatment of Thyroid Disorders

Treatment options for hypothyroidism typically involve hormone replacement therapy, while hyperthyroidism can be managed through medication, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery.

Thyroid disorder is diagnosed by using combination of physical examination and measuring hormonal levels by blood tests. Important blood test include:-

Thyroid Function Test (TFT) – Thyroid function test is the most common blood test done to detect abnormal levels of thyroid hormone in the body. It constitutes of three parameters:-

TSH – thyroid stimulating hormone

T3 – triiodothyronine

T4 – thyroxine

Thyroid function test is available on www.healthsquad.in from all our partner labs at the comfort of your home. Results are available on the same day.

V. Managing Thyroid Health through Lifestyle
Lifestyle choices are a very common cause of the thyroid diseases. Changes for good in your lifestyles can help in a great way to manage the hormone levels. Having a balanced diet, less stress, regular exercise and a good night sleep can very well help in maintaining the proper levels of TSH, T3 and T4 in the body. In depth details about how to manage thyroid condition through lifestyle can be read here.
VI. Thyroid Disorders and Pregnancy
Thyroid disorder can cause major complications to pregnant women. It can cause miscarriage, developmental issues in the newborn and preterm birth as well. Due to the severity of the effects, it becomes very important to manage the thyroid disorder properly during pregnancy. Learn more about the impact of the thyroid on pregnancy here.
VII. Thyroid Disorders in Children
Congenital hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder diagnosed in children. Various companies provide newborn screening panels which can detect this disease at the onset and can be managed from day 1. This prevents the hampering of the growth and development of the child. Dive into the details here to know more about thyroid disorders and their management in children.
VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, stress can affect the thyroid functioning. Stress impacts the hormonal levels in the body. Stress hormone like cortisol can affect the normal functioning of thyroid gland leading to imbalances in thyroid hormones. Existing patients experience worse effects of stress which worsen their condition further.
Yes, thyroid disorders can be hereditary as well. Certain diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease have genetic origin. However it is important to note that every person with a family history of abnormal thyroid will not develop the condition.
No, outright prevention is not possible but certain lifestyle changes can help in strengthening the thyroid health in the body. These include taking proper iodine in the diet. Almost all the common salt brand in India have iodine component in them which provide enough iodine to maintain the optimal levels in body. Regular exercise and proper sleep can also boost the thyroid health.
Yes, thyroid disorders can cause weight fluctuations. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can slow down the body’s metabolism, leading to weight gain or difficulty losing weight. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can increase metabolism, resulting in weight loss or difficulty gaining weight. However, it’s important to note that weight fluctuations can be influenced by various factors, and not all weight changes are solely attributed to thyroid disorders.
The treatment and management of thyroid disorders depend on the specific condition. Some thyroid disorders, such as congenital hypothyroidism or certain cases of hyperthyroidism, may require lifelong treatment with medication or hormone replacement therapy. Other conditions, such as thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer, may require surgery, radiation therapy, or other treatments. While thyroid disorders can often be effectively managed or controlled with appropriate medical care, complete cure may not be possible in all cases.
IX. CONCLUSION
The thyroid gland plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Understanding thyroid disorders, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial for early detection and effective management. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and seeking appropriate medical care, individuals with thyroid disorders can lead fulfilling lives and minimize the impact of these conditions on their overall health.

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