What is the function of the thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland influences almost all of the body’s metabolic processes through the hormones it produces. It is part of the endocrine system. When the thyroid gland produces too much or too little of important hormones, it is called thyroid disease. Thyroid diseases and disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (an enlarged gland) that requires no treatment to serious cancer. The most common thyroid problems are related to the abnormal production of thyroid hormones. An excess of thyroid hormone causes a condition known as hyperthyroidism, and a hormone deficiency causes hypothyroidism. Though the effects can be unfriendly or uncomfortable, most thyroid diseases can be successfully managed with proper diagnosis and treatment.
Types and Causes of Thyroid Disease
There are two core types of thyroid disease: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Both conditions can be produced by other diseases that affect the thyroid gland.
Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
- All types of hyperthyroidism are due to the thyroid gland producing too much hormone, but the condition can manifest in several ways:
- Graves’ disease: Overproduction of thyroid hormones.
- Toxic adenomas: Nodes that form in the thyroid gland and disrupt the body’s chemical balance by producing too much thyroid hormone. Some strumae may contain several of these nodules.
- Subacute thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland that causes excessive hormone leakage. This causes temporary hyperthyroidism, which usually lasts a few weeks but can persist for months.
- Pituitary problems or thyroid cancers: Rarely, these can cause hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Since the body requires a certain amount of thyroid hormones to produce energy, a decrease in their production results in low energy levels. Causes of hypothyroidism include:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: In this autoimmune disease, the body attacks thyroid tissue. The tissue eventually dies and stops creating hormones.
- Postpartum thyroiditis: It can occur at any time of the year after childbirth, a miscarriage, or an induced abortion. It is rare, occurring in 5–9% of cases. It is usually temporary.
- Iodine deficiency: The thyroid gland uses iodin to produce hormones. Iodine deficiency is a problematic that affects millions of people worldwide.
- Thyroid removal: The thyroid gland may have been surgically removed or chemically destroyed. Excessive iodine exposure: Cold and sinus medications, amiodarone (a heart medication), and some contrast agents given before certain X-rays can expose you to excess iodine.
A history of thyroid problems:
- Your risk of developing hypothyroidism may be higher if you have had thyroid problems in the past.
- Lithium: This medication has also been linked to hypothyroidism.
- If hypothyroidism is left unprocessed, it can lead to myxedema unconsciousness, a rare but life-threatening condition that requires immediate hormonal treatment.
- Hypothyroidism is especially dangerous for newborns and infants. A lack of thyroid hormone in the body at an early age can lead to mental retardation and dwarfism (failed growth). Currently, doctors routinely monitor thyroid hormone levels in most babies shortly after birth. If levels are low, treatment begins immediately. The causes of hypothyroidism in infants and adults are the same:
- A malfunctioning pituitary gland
- A defective thyroid gland
- Absence of a thyroid gland
- Thyroid cancer is rare and occurs in approximately 5% of thyroid nodules. You may have one or more thyroid nodules for several years before your doctor discovers they are cancerous. If you have had radiation therapy to your head and neck, perhaps to treat acne, you may have a advanced risk of developing thyroid cancer.
Risk Factors for Thyroid Problems
Thyroid problems can affect anyone and are common. Women are five to eight times more likely to develop thyroid disease than men. You are also more likely to develop it if you:
- Have a family history of thyroid disease.
- Have pernicious anemia, type 1 diabetes, primary adrenal insufficiency, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, or Turner syndrome.
- Take medications containing iodine.
- Are 60 years of age or older.
- Have had thyroid disease or cancer (thyroidectomy or radiation therapy).
Symptoms of Thyroid Disease
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- sweating
- irregular heartbeat
- weight loss
- bulging eyes
- nervousness
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- fatigue
- weight gain
- depression
- abnormal bone development
failure to thrive
A baby with hypothyroidism may be sedentary and quiet, have a unfortunate appetite, and sleep for long aeras.
Early signs of thyroid disease include changes in:
- heat or cold tolerance
- menstrual cycle
- energy level or mood
- weight
If you or your child experience one or more of these symptoms, see your doctor.
Weight gain is common with hypothyroidism, but it is usually only 2.5 to 4.5 kg (5 to 10 pounds). Significant weight gain is rare and is related with simple hypothyroidism. If your only symptom is weight gain, you probably have something other than a thyroid problematic. How does a thyroid problem affect your body? Thyroid problems can affect heart rate, mood, energy levels, metabolism, bone health, pregnancy, and many other bodily functions.
Thyroid Disease Diagnosis
- Thyroid problems can be difficult to diagnose. This is because their symptoms can mimic those of other conditions.
- For example, the symptoms of thyroid disease may be similar to those you may involvement during pregnancy. These tests can help your doctor determine if you have a thyroid problem:
- Blood tests. One of the most reliable ways to diagnose thyroid problems is to measure the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. This is done by sketch blood from a vein in your arm.
- Imaging tests. An examination of your thyroid gland can answer many questions. Your doctor may order an imagination test called a thyroid scan. This allows them to check your thyroid gland for enlargement, shape, or growths (nodules).
- An ultrasound may also be performed. This sends high-frequency sound waves through your body that you cannot hear. The echoes are recorded and converted into video or still images. This takes 20 to 30 minutes.
- Physical exam. This is a simple and painless test performed in your doctor’s office. Your doctor will feel your neck to detect any growth or enlargement of the thyroid gland.
- Iodine uptake tests. If you have hypothyroidism, your doctor may order this test to determine the cause. The test measures the amount of iodine taken up by the thyroid. Iodine comes from the foods you eat. Iodine is a key component of thyroid hormones, so the amount of iodine taken up by the thyroid is a good way to determine how much of the hormone the gland produces.
Treatment for Thyroid Disease
Your doctor may use various methods to restore normal thyroid hormone levels. Each treatment method depends on the type and cause of your thyroid disease.
Treatment for Subacute Thyroiditis
Although subacute thyroiditis can cause temporary hyperthyroidism, the condition does not require treatment.
You can take acetaminophen or aspirin for pain caused by thyroid inflammation. (People under 19 years of age should not take aspirin, as it can source Reye’s syndrome.) If over-the-counter medications don’t help, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines, such as dexamethasone or prednisone, for a quick period. Hyperthyroidism Treatment
You can decrease or stop thyroid hormone production with:
- Radioactive iodine treatment
- Antithyroid medications
Surgery
If your doctor decides that harmful treatment is the best option, you will take a pill or liquid with enough radioactive iodine to injury your thyroid cells and prevent them from producing hormones. Sometimes, you will need more than one treatment to reduce your hormone production to normal levels. Many people develop hypothyroidism as a result of this procedure. After starting antithyroid medications, symptoms should begin to disappear after about 6 to 8 weeks. However, you will generally need to continue taking them for about a year. Afterward, your doctor will check to see if you can stop taking them. You will need regular checkups after stopping the medications to ensure your hormone levels remain balanced. Doctors generally do not perform surgery unless you are pregnant (and cannot take antithyroid medications) or have a large goiter or cancerous nodule.
Conclusion:
Thyroid diseases include a range of conditions that affect the structure and purpose of the thyroid gland, counting hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and cancer. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial, as thyroid dysfunction can significantly affect metabolism, growth, and overall well-being. With appropriate treatment, lifestyle changes, and regular follow-up, most thyroid diseases can be effectively managed. Public awareness and timely medical intervention are key to preventing complications and ensuring a good excellence of life for patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thyroid Disease
Are thyroid diseases serious?
It all depends on the circumstances. Thyroid diseases can range from a harmless goiter that doesn’t require treatment to thyroid cancer, which can be fatal.
What happens if thyroid disease is left untreated?
Complications can range from mild to life-threatening.
Can an enlarged thyroid normalize on its own?
Yes, but you may need treatment. If you experience symptoms, see your doctor so you can receive treatment if necessary.