A Guide to Thyroid Health: Conditions Causes Treatments

Located in the neck, the thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland. It is a part of the endocrine system that aids in the regulation of metabolism and produces hormones.

A dysfunctional thyroid might lead to certain health issues. An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, for instance, can result in anxiety, an abnormally fast heartbeat, and rapid weight loss. Conversely, severe fatigue, weight gain, and constipation can result from hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. 

Understanding Thyroid Health

Thyroid tests verify whether your thyroid gland is functioning normally. 

If you have symptoms such as weariness, sluggishness, restlessness, irritability, or unexpected weight fluctuations, you may need to get a thyroid test. Thyroid testing can assist in the diagnosis of the following conditions:

• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Thyroiditis
• Graves’ Disease
• Hashimoto’s Disease

Thyroid tests are also referred to as thyroid function tests and thyroid symptom tests.

What are the Causes of Thyroid Disorders?

The most prevalent cause of hypothyroidism is iodine deficiency, whereas the risk of autoimmune hypothyroidism is significantly increased by chronic excesses.

Hashimoto's Disease is brought on by the immune system's reaction to the thyroid gland and is mostly hereditary. Other risk factors include vitamin D3 deficiency, selenium deficiency, iron deficiency, zinc deficiency, premature birth, depression, and a few medications and therapies.

Graves’ Disease, toxic multinodular goiter, and iodine excess are a few of the major causes of hyperthyroidism.

Common Thyroid Diseases

Thyroid issues can be broadly classified into hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency) and hyperthyroidism (thyroid hormone excess). Other conditions typically refer to thyroid inflammation, tumor or malignancy.

Hypothyroidism:

Hypothyroidism is a clinical condition of insufficient thyroid hormone.

Testing indicates extremely high TSH and severe T4 shortage (sometimes accompanied by T3 excess) in patients with primary hypothyroidism. Elevated TSH levels may coexist with normal T4 levels in subclinical hypothyroidism.

Some of the common symptoms of hypothyroidism include Bradycardia, cold intolerance, weight gain, fatigue, and hair loss. 

Hyperthyroidism:

When the thyroid gland generates an excessive amount of thyroid hormone, it leads to hyperthyroidism. Thyrotoxicosis, a disorder where exorbitant amounts of thyroid hormone are exposed to peripheral tissues, is frequently brought on by hyperthyroidism.

Blood tests for hyperthyroidism frequently show lower TSH and noticeably raised T4 levels. With normal T4/T3, subclinical hyperthyroidism will show low TSH. 

Some of the common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include excessive sweating, heat intolerance, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and fine tremors.

How are Thyroid Disorders Treated?

Hypothyroidism has a very good prognosis with treatment, but if untreated, it can create problems.  The treatment for hypothyroidism includes hormone replacement therapy and occasionally nutrition and lifestyle changes. Levothyroxine, iodine supplementation, iron supplementation, and selenium are other treatment options for Hypothyroidism.

Antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine therapy, steroids, beta-blockers, selenium, and thyroid surgery are standard treatments for hyperthyroidism.

Conclusion:

Several body functions are supported by the thyroid, a gland located in the neck. Problems with your thyroid might result in multiple health issues.

Thankfully, there are non-medical approaches to improving thyroid function. Some tips for maintaining thyroid health include eating a well-balanced meal, avoiding foods loaded with sugar, preservatives, and artificial colors, supplementation, and avoiding specific environmental pollutants. However, you should speak with a healthcare professional about your possible treatment options if you think you may have a thyroid issue.