10 Facts About Your Thyroid Gland

Did you know that in India, 42 million people are affected by thyroid diseases? Yes, you read that right. Thyroid diseases rank among the most prevalent endocrine disorders globally. It is caused when the Thyroid gland located at the front of your neck is unable to produce the right amount of T3 and T4 hormones and can lead to symptoms like weight gain or weight loss, extreme fatigue, rapid heart rate, and such.  

However, these thyroid symptoms are quite common and can also point to other medical conditions. This means your thyroid is not always to blame if you have these symptoms. This article will talk about 10 such facts about the thyroid gland that you should know. 

1. Thyroid gland is a small organ

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. Despite its size, it plays a crucial role in regulating several processes in your body. Its primary responsibility is to release thyroid hormones into your bloodstream, which help control various body functions. The thyroid gland produces more hormones whenever the body requires more energy in specific situations, such as during growth or pregnancy.  

2. The thyroid gland produces two major hormones

The thyroid gland produces and releases two major hormones into the bloodstream. These are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T4 is produced by the thyroid gland under the regulation of the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. Once secreted into the bloodstream, it travels to organs like the kidneys and liver. Here, it undergoes a conversion into its active form – triiodothyronine (T3). It is T3, which is biologically active and influences the functioning of all cells and tissues throughout your body.  

3. Thyroid hormones are very important for your body

Thyroid hormones affect your body’s metabolic rate and regulate many of your bodily functions, such as:    

• Heart rate – They can speed up or slow down your heart rate.  
• Body temperature – They can lower or raise your body temperature.  
• Digestive system – They influence the speed of food movement through your digestive tract.  
• Skin and bone – They manage skin and bone maintenance by regulating the rate at which your body replaces dying cells, which is a normal process. 

Besides that, thyroid hormones are extremely important for the growth and development of children as they help in the development of the brain and nervous system.  

4. Overactive or underactive hormones can lead to thyroid disorders

Thyroid disorders have various causes, the most common being autoimmune thyroid disease. It’s a self-destructive process wherein the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid cells. As a result, the thyroid gland becomes overactive or underactive. 

5. Thyroid cancer is a form of thyroid disease

It is a type of cancer that originates in the thyroid gland in the neck. It involves the abnormal growth of cells, forming a tumour. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, or targeted therapy. A favourable prognosis can be achieved with early detection and treatment. 

6. Hypothyroidism is also known as underactive thyroid

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough amount of thyroid hormones, causing the body’s metabolism to slow down. It can be caused by autoimmune disease. Another cause can be treating an overactive thyroid, like radioactive iodine therapy or surgery. Symptoms may vary from person to person. But here are some common symptoms of thyroid in people include: 

• Fatigue
• Weight gain 
• Hoarse voice 
• Dry skin and hair 
• Cold and sensitivity 
• Menstrual irregularities and  
• Swelling in hands or feet 

Hypothyroidism can lead to other health issues like high cholesterol and heart problems if left untreated. 

7. Hyperthyroidism is also known as overactive thyroid

Hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid gland makes excess thyroid hormone, which speeds up your metabolism. It’s often called an overactive thyroid.  Common causes of hyperthyroidism are Graves’ disease and thyroid inflammation due to viral infections, certain medications, or after pregnancy. 

Some of the most common hyperthyroid symptoms in people are:

• Irritability 
• Sweating more than normal 
• Weak muscles, particularly in the upper arms and thighs 
• Thinning of the skin 
• Fine, brittle hair 
• Weight loss 

8. Thyroid diagnosis involves blood tests and imaging

Medical professionals may request one or more blood tests to assess your thyroid gland’s functioning. The following blood tests are commonly used for thyroid diagnosis: 

• TSH Test- This test measures the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level in your blood. A high TSH level often indicates hypothyroidism, while a low TSH level suggests hyperthyroidism. 

• T4 Test- The T4 test measures the level of T4 in your blood. Elevated T4 levels may indicate hyperthyroidism, whereas low T4 levels may indicate hypothyroidism. 

However, in some situations, high or low T4 levels may not necessarily indicate thyroid problems. For instance, thyroid hormone levels may be higher during pregnancy or while taking oral contraceptives. Conversely, severe illness or the use of corticosteroids can lower T4 levels. 

• T3 Test- If there is a suspicion of hyperthyroidism despite normal T4 levels, a T3 test may be conducted to confirm the thyroid diagnosis. 

• Thyroid Antibody Tests- These tests help diagnose autoimmune thyroid disorders. 

9. Thyroid treatment depends on the type of thyroid disease

After completing the thyroid tests, appropriate treatment is based on your specific thyroid condition. 

For individuals diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, the treatment options may include the following: 

• Anti-thyroid Drugs, 
• Radioactive Iodine 
• Beta Blockers 
• Surgery (Thyroidectomy) 

On the other hand, the primary treatment for hypothyroidism involves thyroid replacement medication. This involves using synthetic (man-made) thyroid hormones to replenish the body’s insufficient supply. 

10. Thyroid diseases can be prevented and managed

Preventing thyroid diseases and managing symptoms involves a few key steps:

• Eat a well-balanced diet that includes iodine-rich foods like seafood, dairy products, and eggs.  
• Limit the consumption of goitrogenic food like cabbage, broccoli, and soy products.  
• Do regular exercise and stress management through techniques like meditation or yoga.  
• Schedule regular health check-ups. Periodic thyroid function tests can help detect any abnormalities early on. 
• If there is a family history of thyroid disease, be vigilant and discuss it with a doctor.  

Taking proactive measures and seeking professional guidance can improve thyroid health and overall well-being. 

Conclusion

To conclude, being informed about the symptoms of thyroid diseases is important for safeguarding one’s overall health. It is wise to undergo thyroid tests at a reputable and dependable laboratory centre to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.