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What is Thyroid?
Thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, which plays a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism. It produces hormones that influence various processes, including energy production and temperature regulation. The two primary hormones produced by the thyroid gland are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
What are The Functions of Thyroid Gland?
The thyroid gland performs several important functions in the body:
1. Hormone Production: The thyroid gland produces hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which play a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism.
2. Metabolic Regulation: Control the rate at which the body converts food into energy (metabolism).
3. Temperature Regulation: Help regulate body temperature by influencing heat production and heat dissipation.
4. Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Impacts heart rate and blood pressure, contributing to the cardiovascular system's proper functioning.
5. Brain Development: Essential for the development of the fetal brain during pregnancy and continuing to support brain function throughout life.
6. Muscle Control: Play a role in maintaining muscle control and strength.
7. Cholesterol Levels: Help regulate cholesterol levels in the blood after having your blood test done.
What are Thyroid Disorders?
Thyroid disorders refer to conditions that affect the thyroid gland.
There are several types of thyroid disorders, including:
1. Hypothyroidism: This occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones.
2. Hyperthyroidism: This condition results from an overproduction of thyroid hormones.
3. Thyroid Nodules: These are lumps or abnormal growths in the thyroid gland. While most thyroid nodules are non-cancerous (benign), some may be cancerous.
4. Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland is referred to as thyroiditis. It can be caused by infections, autoimmune conditions, or other factors.
What are The Causes of Thyroid Disorders?
There are two main types of thyroid problems: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. These happen when the thyroid gland, which produces hormones for the body, doesn't work properly. Here are some reasons for each:
Hypothyroidism Causes
1. Thyroiditis: Swelling of the thyroid gland that reduces hormone production.
2. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Body's cells mistakenly attack the thyroid, usually inherited.
3. Postpartum Thyroiditis: Temporary condition after childbirth, affecting 5% to 9% of women.
4. Iodine Deficiency: Lack of iodine, necessary for thyroid hormone production.
5. Non-functioning Thyroid Gland: Some people are born with a thyroid that doesn't work correctly, affecting 1 in 4,000 newborns.
Hyperthyroidism Causes
1. Graves’ Disease: Overactivity of the entire thyroid gland.
2. Nodules: Overactive nodules within the thyroid; a single one is called toxic autonomously functioning thyroid nodule.
3. Thyroiditis: Inflammation causing the release of stored hormones, lasting weeks or months.
4. Excessive Iodine: Too much iodine in the body leads to excess thyroid hormone production. Found in some medications and cough syrups.
What are The Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders?
There are two main types of thyroid disorders:
1. Hypothyroidism: It occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive, leading to insufficient production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
The symptoms of Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid) include:
- Tiredness
- More sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
- Puffy face
- Hoarse voice
- Coarse hair and skin
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
- Irregular Menstrual cycles
- Thinning hair
- Slowed heart rate, also called bradycardia
- Depression
- Memory problems
2. Hyperthyroidism: It is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland, leading to an excess of thyroid hormones.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
The symptoms of Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid) include:
- Losing weight without trying
- Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Heart palpitations
- Increased hunger
- Nervousness, anxiety and irritability
- Trembling in the hands and fingers
- Sweating
- Changes in menstrual cycles
- Increased sensitivity to heat
- Enlarged thyroid gland, sometimes called a goiter
- Tiredness
- Muscle weakness
- Sleep problems
- Warm, moist skin
- Thinning skin
- Fine, brittle hair
What Tests are Done to Diagnose Thyroid Disorders?
Thyroid blood tests measure certain hormones and antibodies in your blood. Too many or too few of these hormones or antibodies might mean that you have thyroid disease.
Type of Thyroid Blood Tests:
1. Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH): Pituitary gland (part of your brain) makes TSH. It travels to the thyroid gland, stimulating it to produce thyroid hormones, T3 and T4.
A high TSH level most often means a person has hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid.
A low TSH level usually means you have hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid. This means that the thyroid is making too much hormone, so the pituitary gland stops making and releasing TSH into the blood.
2. Triiodothyronine (T3): It measures the amount of triiodothyronine in the blood. This hormone is one of two main hormones that thyroid gland makes. The T3 test checks for levels of the hormone triiodothyronine. It’s usually ordered if T4 tests show elevation.
3. Thyroxine (T4): It measures the amount of thyroxine in the blood. Thyroxine is the other main type of hormone that the thyroid gland makes. A high blood level of T4 may mean that a person has hyperthyroidism. A low level of T4 may mean a person has hypothyroidism.
4. Thyroid Antibody Tests: It gives insights about whether or not there are thyroid antibodies in the blood. The presence of thyroid antibodies might mean a person may have an autoimmune disorder like Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s disease.
