Your thyroid gland creates and manufactures hormones that are engaged in many different systems throughout your body. Thyroid illness occurs when your thyroid produces either too much or too little of these vital hormones. Thyroid disease is classified into numerous kinds, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
WHAT EXACTLY IS THE THYROID GLAND AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
The thyroid gland is a tiny organ in the front of the neck that wraps around the windpipe (trachea). It has the shape of a butterfly, with two wide wings that stretch around the side of your throat. The thyroid gland is a type of gland. Throughout your body, glands produce and release substances that assist your body in performing a specific function. Your thyroid gland secretes hormones that aid in the regulation of various important body functions.
When your thyroid isn't working properly, it might have an effect on the rest of your body. Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when your body produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormone. When your body generates inadequate thyroid hormone, you have hypothyroidism. Both illnesses are dangerous and should be handled by your doctor.
Your thyroid plays a crucial role in your body by releasing and managing thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. Metabolism is the process through which the food you consume in your body is converted into energy. This energy is used throughout your body to keep many of your body's systems functioning properly. Consider your metabolism to be a generator. It absorbs raw energy and transforms it into something more powerful.
T4 (thyroxine, which contains four iodide atoms) and T3 are the thyroid hormones that regulate your metabolism (triiodothyronine, contains three iodide atoms). The thyroid produces these two hormones, which tell the body's cells how much energy to use. When your thyroid is working properly, it will create the necessary hormones to maintain your metabolism running at a normal rate. As hormones are depleted, the thyroid creates replacement hormones.
The pituitary gland is in charge of all of this. The pituitary gland, which is located in the center of the skull, below the brain, monitors and controls the amount of thyroid hormones in your bloodstream. When the pituitary gland detects a deficiency of thyroid hormones or an increase in hormone levels in your body, it will regulate the amounts using its own hormone. Thyroid stimulating hormone is the name given to this hormone (TSH). The TSH will be given to the thyroid, and it will inform the thyroid of what has to be done to restore the body's normalcy.
THYROID DISEASE
Thyroid disease is an umbrella term for a medical issue that prevents your thyroid from producing the appropriate amount of hormones. Your thyroid normally generates hormones that keep your body working smoothly. When your thyroid generates an abnormally large amount of thyroid hormone, your body utilizes energy at a quick rate. This is known as hyperthyroidism. Using too much energy will do more than just make you weary; it will also cause your heart to beat quicker, cause you to lose weight without even trying, and even make you frightened. On the other hand, your thyroid may produce insufficient thyroid hormone. This is known as hypothyroidism. When you have insufficient thyroid hormone in your body, you may feel weary, gain weight, and be unable to endure cold temperatures.
These two primary disorders can be caused by a multitude of factors. They can also be passed on from generation to generation
WHAT FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO THYROID DISEASE?
There are two types of thyroid disease: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Both difficulties can be caused by other illnesses that impact the thyroid gland's function.
Hypothyroidism can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Thyroiditis: This illness is characterized by thyroid gland inflammation (swelling). Thyroiditis can reduce the amount of hormones produced by your thyroid.
- Postpartum thyroiditis: This disorder affects 5% to 9% of women following childbirth. It is usually a transient ailment.
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a painless autoimmune disorder in which the body's cells attack and damage the thyroid. This is a hereditary disorder.
- A thyroid gland that isn't functioning: Sometimes the thyroid gland does not function properly from birth. This affects around 1 in every 4,000 births. If the child is not treated, he or she may develop physical and mental issues later in life. All babies are given a screening blood test in the hospital to check their thyroid function.
- Iodine deficiency: The thyroid uses iodine to generate hormones. Iodine deficiency is a worldwide issue that affects millions of people.
Hyperthyroidism can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Nodules: Hyperthyroidism can be caused by thyroid nodules that are hyperactive. A toxic autonomously functioning thyroid nodule is a single nodule, but a toxic multi-nodular goiter is a gland that contains several nodules.
- Thyroiditis: This condition might be unpleasant or unnoticeable. Thyroiditis causes hormones that have been stored in the thyroid to be released. This could last a few weeks or months.
- Grave's disease: In this case, the entire thyroid gland may be overactive and release an excessive amount of hormone. This illness is also referred to as diffuse toxic goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).
- Iodine deficiency: When your body has too much iodine (the mineral used to manufacture thyroid hormones), the thyroid produces more thyroid hormones than it requires. Iodine levels in some medications (such as amiodarone, a heart treatment) and cough syrups are high.
WHAT ARE THE MOST PREVALENT SYMPTOMS OF THYROID DISEASE?
If you have thyroid illness, you may suffer a variety of symptoms. Unfortunately, the symptoms of a thyroid issue are frequently confused with those of other medical disorders and stages of life. This can make it difficult to determine if your symptoms are due to a thyroid problem or something else entirely.
Thyroid disease symptoms can be classified into two categories: those caused by having too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) and those caused by having too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) (hypothyroidism).
The following are symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism):
- Experiencing visual issues or eye irritation.
- Having difficulty sleeping.
- Losing weight.
- Having an enlarged thyroid gland, often known as a goiter.
- Having tremors and physical weakness.
- Having irregular menstrual cycles or a menstrual cycle that has come to a standstill.
- Sensitivity to heat
- Anxiety, impatience, and nervousness are all symptoms.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Forgetfulness.
- Having heavy and frequent menstrual cycles.
- Having coarse, dry hair.
- Hoarse voice.
- Intolerance to cold temperatures.
- Fatigue
- Putting on weight
IS IT TRUE THAT HAVING DIABETES INCREASES MY CHANCES OF DEVELOPING THYROID DISEASE?
Diabetes puts you at a higher chance of having thyroid disease than persons who do not have diabetes. Diabetes type 1 is an autoimmune illness. You are more prone to acquire another autoimmune condition if you already have one.
The risk is decreased for persons with type 2 diabetes, but it still exists. You are more prone to develop thyroid illness later in life if you have type 2 diabetes.
Thyroid issues should be monitored on a regular basis. People with type 1 diabetes may be evaluated more frequently than those with type 2 diabetes, initially following diagnosis and then once a year or so after that. If you have type 2 diabetes, there is no set testing plan; however, your healthcare professional may recommend a testing schedule over time.
THYROID DISEASE DIAGNOSIS
Thyroid disease can be difficult to identify at times since the symptoms are similar to those of other disorders. When pregnant or aged, you may encounter symptoms similar to those associated with thyroid illness. Fortunately, there are tests that can help identify whether your symptoms are the result of a thyroid problem. Among these tests are:
1. BLOOD TESTS
Blood tests are one of the most accurate ways to diagnose a thyroid condition. Thyroid blood tests measure the level of thyroid hormones in your blood to determine if your thyroid gland is functioning normally. Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm for these tests. Thyroid blood tests are performed to determine whether you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Thyroid blood tests are performed to diagnose thyroid diseases caused by hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. These include:
- Graves’ disease.
- Hashimoto’s disease.
- Goiter.
- Thyroid nodule.
- Thyroid cancer.
- Thyroiditis.
The following blood tests may be performed to assess your thyroid:
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced in the pituitary gland and maintains the balance of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream, including T4 and T3. This is usually the first test your provider will perform to determine if you have a thyroid hormone imbalance. Thyroid hormone shortage (hypothyroidism) is usually linked with a raised TSH level, whereas thyroid hormone excess (hyperthyroidism) is usually associated with a low TSH level. If TSH is abnormal, thyroid hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) may be measured directly to further analyze the situation. TSH levels in adults should be between 0.40 and 4.50 mIU/mL. (milli-international units per liter of blood).
- T3: Triiodothyronine: T3 tests aid in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and in determining the degree of hyperthyroidism. T3 levels can be low in hypothyroidism, but this test is more commonly used in the diagnosis and management of hyperthyroidism, where T3 levels are excessive. T3 normal range: 100-200 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter of blood).
- FT3: Free T3 or free triiodothyronine: FT3 is a T3 measurement method that eliminates the effect of proteins that naturally bind T3 and may interfere with correct detection. FT3 normal range: 2.3 - 4.1 pg/mL (picograms per milliliter of blood).
- T4: Thyroxine: T4 tests for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and is used to monitor thyroid problem medication. Hypothyroidism is characterized by low T4 levels, and hyperthyroidism is characterized by high T4 levels. T4 levels in adults should be between 5.0 and 11.0 ug/dL. (micrograms per deciliter of blood).
- FT4: Free T4 or free thyroxine: FT4 is a T4 detection method that eliminates the effect of proteins that naturally bind T4 and may interfere with correct measurement. An adult's normal FT4 range is 0.9 - 1.7 ng/dL. (nanograms per deciliter of blood)
These tests are not intended to diagnose any sickness, but they may urge your healthcare provider to perform more testing to rule out a thyroid disorder.
Additional blood tests may be performed, such as:
- Thyroid antibodies: These tests aid in the identification of several types of autoimmune thyroid disorders. Microsomal antibodies (also known as thyroid peroxidase antibodies or TPO antibodies), thyroglobulin antibodies (commonly known as TG antibodies), and thyroid receptor antibodies are all common thyroid antibody tests (includes thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins [TSI] and thyroid blocking immunoglobulins [TBI]).
- Thyroglobulin: This test is used to diagnose thyroiditis (thyroid inflammation) and to track thyroid cancer treatment.
- Calcitonin: This test is used to diagnose unusual thyroid illnesses such as C-cell hyperplasia and medullary thyroid cancer.
Discuss the ranges for these thyroid blood tests with your doctor. Your ranges may differ from those of others. That's usually fine. Speak with your provider if you have any issues or reservations regarding your blood test findings.
2. IMAGING TESTS
In many circumstances, examining the thyroid can provide answers to several questions. A thyroid scan, which is a type of imaging test, may be performed by your healthcare professional. This lets your doctor to examine your thyroid to search for changes in size, shape, or growths (nodules).
Your doctor may also employ an ultrasound, which is a type of imaging exam. This is a diagnostic process that sends high-frequency sound waves through bodily tissues that are inaudible to the human ear. Echoes are captured and converted into video or picture images. Ultrasounds are commonly associated with pregnancy, but they are also used to diagnose a variety of other health conditions. Ultrasounds, unlike X-rays, do not employ radiation.
Typically, there is little or no preparation prior to your ultrasound. You do not need to adjust your diet or fast beforehand. During the examination, you will lie flat on a padded examining table with your head on a pillow, leaned back. A heated, water-soluble gel is applied to the skin over the investigated area. This gel will not irritate your skin or stain your clothing. The probe will then be softly moved around your neck by your healthcare professional to see all sections of the thyroid.
An ultrasound usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
3. PHYSICAL EXAM
A physical exam at your healthcare provider's office is another easy way to check your thyroid. This is a straightforward and painless exam in which your provider feels your neck for any thyroid growths or enlargement.
THYROID DISEASE TREATMENT
The goal of your healthcare practitioner is to restore your thyroid hormone levels to normal. This can be accomplished in a variety of methods, and the precise treatment will be determined by the underlying cause of your thyroid disease.
If you have excessive levels of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism), you may be able to receive the following treatment:
- Surgery: Your healthcare professional may surgically remove your thyroid as a more permanent method of treatment (thyroidectomy). This will prevent it from producing hormones. You will, however, require thyroid replacement hormones for the rest of your life.
- Anti-thyroid drugs: These are drugs that prevent your thyroid from producing hormones.
- Beta blockers: These treatments do not alter the amount of hormones in your body, but they do assist you manage your symptoms.
- Radioactive iodine: This treatment causes thyroid cell destruction, preventing it from producing excessive quantities of thyroid hormones.
If you have low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism), your main therapy choice is:
Thyroid replacement medication: This medication is a synthetic (man-made) method of reintroducing thyroid hormones into your body. Levothyroxine is a regularly used medication. You can control thyroid disease and live a normal life by taking medicine.
HOW LONG WILL MY FATIGUE LAST AFTER MY THYROID IS REMOVED?
Typically, you will be given medicine to alleviate your symptoms immediately following surgery. Even after the thyroid has been removed, your body still contains thyroid hormone circulating throughout it. Hormones might remain in your body for up to three weeks. Following thyroid removal, medication will reintroduce new hormones into your body. If you are still sleepy after surgery, remember that this is a typical part of the recovery process for any type of surgery. Your body requires time to heal. If you are still experiencing fatigue and other thyroid disease symptoms after surgery, consult your doctor.
CAN I DO A THYROID CHECK AT HOME?
You may perform a quick and simple thyroid self-exam at home. The only instruments required for this self-examination are a mirror and a glass of water.
Follow these steps to perform a thyroid self-exam:
1. Begin by determining the location of your thyroid. The thyroid gland is located on the front of your neck, between your collar bone and Adam's apple. The Adam's apple is much more visible in men. It's usually simplest for ladies to gaze from the collar bone up.
2. While staring in the mirror, tilt your head back. Examine your neck and attempt to focus on the area where you will be looking once the exam begins.
3. Take a drink of water with your head tilted back when you're ready. As you swallow, keep an eye on your thyroid. You're looking for lumps or bumps during this test. When you swallow the water, you might be able to see them.
Repeat this test several times to acquire a clear picture of your thyroid. Contact your healthcare practitioner if you see any lumps or bumps.
CONCLUSION
Thyroid disease is frequently a life-long medical issue that must be regularly managed. This frequently entails taking medication on a daily basis. Your healthcare practitioner will monitor your treatments and make changes as needed. Thyroid disease, on the other hand, normally allows you to live a regular life. It may take some time to determine the best therapy option for you and control your hormone levels, but persons with these illnesses may usually live a normal life.