Facts About Thyroid Disorders You Didn’t Know

The thyroid gland is in the front of the neck and produces the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. These hormones are essential for regulating some natural functions of the body.

There are two main thyroid disorders: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. This article presents some vital facts about thyroid disorders, including their causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and prevention.

What are Thyroid Disorders?

Thyroid disorders cause improper functioning of the thyroid gland.

In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormones than required. Whereas, in hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland secretes more thyroid hormones than required.

What Causes Thyroid Disorders?

The most common causes of hypothyroidism are:

1. Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition and is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism. In this condition, the body’s immune system attacks thyroid cells that produce thyroid hormones, causing hypothyroidism.

2. Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis refers to thyroid gland inflammation due to an infection or an autoimmune condition. It can cause hypothyroidism.

3. Medicines

Certain medicines like Lithium used to treat psychiatric disorders can cause hypothyroidism.

4. Low Dietary Iodine

Iodine is found in seafood, dairy, and iodized salt. An iodine-deficient diet can cause hypothyroidism. The most common causes of hyperthyroidism are:

1. Too Much Dietary Iodine: Excess dietary iodine can cause temporary hyperthyroidism.
2. Thyroiditis: Thyroid gland inflammation can also lead to hyperthyroidism.
3. Thyroid Nodules: The development of small nodules on the thyroid gland (whether benign or cancerous) can lead to too much thyroid hormone production or hyperthyroidism.
4. Excess T4 Hormone in the Blood: Excess T4 hormone in the blood can be a result of dietary supplements or some thyroid medications. It can cause hyperthyroidism.

What are Some Risk Factors for Thyroid Disorders?

Some risk factors for thyroid disorders are:

1. Sex: Being a female puts one at a higher risk of thyroid disorders.
2. Age: Old adults, especially those over the age of 60 years, are at an elevated risk for thyroid disorders.
3. Genetics: A family history of thyroid disorders increases an individual’s chances of developing them.
4. Preexisting Health Conditions: Some health conditions, like type 1 diabetes, can increase the risk of developing thyroid disorders.
5. Smoking: Smoking has been linked to a condition called Graves’ disease, which can cause hyperthyroidism.

What are the Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders?

Some common hypothyroidism symptoms are:

1. Fatigue
2. Depression
3. Unexplained weight gain
4. Less Sweating
5. High blood cholesterol
6. Dry and thinning hair
7. Muscle pain, weakness, and stiffness
8. Painful and stiff joints
9. Memory loss
10. Reduced heart rate

Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:

1. Weight loss with increased appetite
2. Rapid or erratic heartbeat
3. Irritability and nervousness
4. Having trouble sleeping
5. Hand tremors and muscle weakness
6. High bowel movement frequency

How are Thyroid Disorders Diagnosed?

Thyroid disorders are usually diagnosed through medical evaluation and lab tests. In a medical evaluation, a doctor can evaluate personal and family medical history and presented symptoms. Based on this evaluation, the doctor can recommend the following thyroid tests:

1. TSH Level Test

The pituitary gland produces TSH hormones that signal the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones. A high TSH level can indicate hypothyroidism, while a low TSH level can indicate hyperthyroidism.

2. T3 and T4 Level Test

This blood test checks the thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) levels in the blood. T3 and T4 levels, along with the TSH test, can help a doctor evaluate thyroid functioning.

3. Thyroid Scan

A thyroid scan is used to check for hyperthyroidism. The patient is given a small iodine tablet, and then thyroid gland images are taken. The amount of iodine absorbed by the thyroid is visible in the images, which can help the doctor diagnose hyperthyroidism.

4. Thyroid Ultrasound

A thyroid ultrasound is used to determine thyroid gland size and the presence of any masses or nodules. The information from ultrasound can help diagnose thyroid disorders.

How Can Thyroid Disorders Be Managed?

Thyroid disorders can be managed through the following strategies:

1. Monitoring Other Health Conditions

Certain health conditions, like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, go along with thyroid disorders. Periodic monitoring can help detect these health conditions early and begin treatment.

2. Managing Fatigue

Medications for thyroid disorders can reduce the associated symptoms. However, the patient can still experience some fatigue sometimes. Some common strategies for fatigue management include getting quality sleep, eating a good diet, and avoiding stress.

For successful management of thyroid disorders, timely detection is vital. If an individual is experiencing any of the symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism given here, they should consult a doctor and book a thyroid profile test at Dr Lal PathLabs.

FAQs

1. What thyroid tests are used to diagnose thyroid disorders?

The tests for diagnosing thyroid disorders are:

1. TSH level test
2. T3 and T4 level test
3. Thyroid scan
4. Thyroid ultrasound

2. What does the thyroid gland do?

The thyroid gland controls metabolic functions of the body, such as body temperature, heart rate, and calorie utilization rate.