Navigating Thyroid Health: Understanding, Managing, and Thriving

Introduction:

The thyroid is a gland in front of the neck that is wrapped around the trachea and possesses a butterfly shape. The thyroid releases certain hormones that maintain body metabolism (the process in which the nutrients taken are transformed into energy). The proper functioning of the thyroid gland is crucial for a healthy and active lifestyle. The abnormal development of cells in the thyroid leads to thyroid cancer. In England, 2.5k women and 1k men were suffering from thyroid cancer in 2021.

Thyroid gland with nodules inside human body – 3D illustration

The thyroid gland performs its activity with the help of two hormones named T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). T3 has 3 iodide molecules while T4 has 4 iodide molecules. T4 is a functionally non-active hormone whereas T3 affects your body’s metabolism. T3 and T4 are collectively called thyroid hormones. Calcitonin is another hormone produced by the thyroid to maintain the calcium level at normal by decreasing the amount of calcium in the blood.

The functioning of the thyroid gland is under the control of the pituitary gland which is present below the brain and at the central region of the skull. The pituitary gland controls the amount of hormones released by the thyroid. It controls this by using a hormone named thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

If the thyroid fails to produce the right amount of thyroxine needed it results in the conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Some other terms for the thyroid are goiter, thyroiditis, thyroiditis ophthalmology, and nodules.

Hypothyroidism is a condition that results when the thyroid gland produces less amount of thyroxine. This condition can develop in anyone regardless of age. It is 10 times common in females than in males. This condition results in certain harm such as:

Excessive weight gain

Frequent menstrual cycle

Absentmindedness

Fatigue

Cold intolerance

Depression

Dry skin and coarse hair

Weird voice

Muscle aches

Joint pain

The conditions that can cause hypothyroidism vary and you should be aware of these symptoms.

When your thyroid glands swell, a condition results which is known as thyroiditis. Treatments are available for this condition. It is a group of certain conditions that harm the thyroid gland. The most common type of thyroiditis is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis occurs in females more than males. Females get this disease mostly at the age of 30-50 and more often after the menstrual cycle has stopped. It is an autoimmune condition. It damages the thyroid gland and it is an inherited disease.

Another type of thyroiditis termed postpartum thyroiditis often occurs during pregnancy mostly, the first pregnancy but it’s a temporary condition. It is likely to result in people with diabetes type 1 disease.

Iodine deficiency is another condition that causes thyroid and affects a lot of people around the world.

In some children, there is a disturbed functioning of the thyroid that if left untreated results in several mental and physical problems.

The condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces an extra amount of hormones is termed hyperthyroidism. The extra amount of hormone released causes your body’s energy to down, and it results in some conditions such as:

Graves’ ophthalmopathy in which the eyes bulge, double vision may occur and redness and swelling happen in the eyes.

Enlarged thyroid (goiter) in which the enlargement of the neck occurs due to the swelling of the thyroid gland.

Muscle weakness

Fatigue

Insomnia

Heat Intolerance

Bulging eyes

Increased heart rate

Nervousness

Frequent bowel movement

Menstrual cycle problems

Many conditions are responsible for the happening of thyroid glands and some of the most common are:

The unusual growth of cells on the thyroid gland is called nodules It could be single or multiple. These cells could be cancerous rarely, but mostly it’s just benign. Only 4.5% to 6% nodules can be a cause of thyroid cancer. Nodules are one of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism. A single nodule is known as a toxic autonomously functioning thyroid nodule. The symptom of nodule includes internal swelling of the thyroid gland.

Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in which the body’s immune system harms the thyroid gland. It mostly occurs in females and it accounts for 60% to 80% of cases of hyperthyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid gland is enlarged. This disease got its name on the name of Robert Graves who first described it.

Thyroiditis can cause hyperthyroidism because the hormones released by the thyroid may be stored in the thyroid.

The excessive amount of iodine in food or nutrients you take can result in hyperthyroidism.

The specific diagnostic tests conducted will depend on the patient’s symptoms, physical examination findings, and the suspected thyroid disorder. The diagnosis of thyroid involves many tests as given below:

Imaging test that includes ultrasound and radioactive iodine uptake test (RIUT).

Blood tests include thyroid antibodies, thyroid function tests, calcitonin blood tests, and thyroglobulin blood tests.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy

CT scan or MRI for detailed images of the thyroid gland.

Physical exam

The treatment of the thyroid includes taking many medications and taking the required amount of iodine in the diet. Moreover, certain treatments for thyroid are given below:

The most common and effective treatment for hypothyroidism is the daily use of synthetic thyroid hormone, usually levothyroxine. This medication helps to restore and maintain normal thyroid hormone levels in the body.

Hyperthyroidism is usually cured by the use of anti-thyroid medications which lessen the amount of thyroid hormone in the body and maintain its amount in the body.

In the case of large goiter usually, surgery is done to remove the thyroid gland. This is also known as thyroidectomy. It is also done if other treatments are not present.

Radioactive therapy is also done in which the thyroid cells are killed which is taken in hyperthyroidism but this often leads to hypothyroidism. Later, hypothyroidism can be cured by taking the required amount of iodine or thyroid hormone.

Beta-blockers are often used to manage symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and managing the symptoms.

Regular monitoring is important to cure the thyroid.

The harms associated with the thyroid are cardiovascular issues, metabolic disturbance, mental disturbance, and reproductive issues. Thyroid reduces the bone density, potentially leading to conditions such as osteoporosis.

Understanding thyroid health is crucial. Recognizing the diverse types, potential harms, and subtle symptoms allow individuals to prioritize their well-being. Stay vigilant, consult professionals, and foster a proactive approach for optimal thyroid function and overall health.