The thyroid is a gland located in the neck. It is a small organ shaped like a butterfly. The thyroid gland is typically smaller in the middle and has two wings that wrap around the sides of the throat. Like other glands in the body, the thyroid gland also produces hormones to control the various functions of the human body, such as metabolism.
However, when this gland does not function properly, it can lead to various disorders in the body. Let us read more about gland and its disorders.
1. What are Thyroid Disorders?
Thyroid disorders occur when the gland does not produce the right amount of hormones in the body, thereby disrupting the normal functioning.
The thyroid gland primarily helps to control the metabolism by producing hormones such as T4 or Thyroxine and T3 or Triiodothyronine. These hormones help the body to use the appropriate amount of energy, thereby maintaining the metabolism rate.
When the gland produces an increased amount of hormones, the body quickly gets exhausted due to faster energy use. This condition is called Hyperthyroidism. In contrast, when the gland does not produce adequate amounts of hormones, the person may gain unnecessary weight. This condition is called Hypothyroidism.
These thyroid disorders can cause tiredness, fatigue, weight loss or gain, anxiety, irritability, and other issues.
2. Types of Thyroid Problems
Thyroid problems develop when the gland does not release the required amount of hormones. Typically, there are the following types of thyroid problems:
- HYPOTHYROIDISM: also known as Under-active Thyroid, this problem develops when there is a reduced thyroxine production in the body.
- HYPERTHYROIDISM: also known as Overactive Thyroid, this problem develops when there is an excess production of the thyroxine hormone.
- SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM: this condition develops when the TSH levels are above normal but below a level of 10.
- GESTATIONAL HYPOTHYROIDISM: this condition is associated with thyroid problems related to pregnancy.
- THYROID NODULES: these are small lumps of different sizes present in the gland. While these lumps are generally non-cancerous, some of them may get malignant.
- GOITER: this is a condition where the thyroid gland gets enlarged.
3. Leading Causes of thyroid problems:
Some of the leading causes of Hypothyroidism problems include the following:
- Inflammation of the thyroid gland, also known as Thyroiditis, or the reduced production of thyroid hormones.
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disorder where the thyroid gland is damaged due to the immune cells in the body.
- Iodine deficiency, which reduces thyroid hormone production.
- Postpartum Thyroiditis, which happens after the pregnancy.
Some causes of Hyperthyroidism include:
- Overactive Thyroid Nodules, which can cause goitre.
- Graves’ Disease, where there is excessive thyroid hormone production.
- Thyroiditis, where the thyroid gland produces increased hormones.
- Increase Iodine levels in the gland, which can be caused by certain medications.
To keep the causes of thyroid in check, you must get the Best thyroid treatment in Delhi.
4. When do you need to consult a specialist?
You must consult a specialist to get the Best thyroid treatment in Delhi as soon as you experience any of the following symptoms of thyroid disorders.
- Weight loss/gain
- Anxiety, nervousness, and irritability
- Sleep issues
- Enlarged Thyroid
- Weakness and tremors in the muscles
- Irregular or heavy menstrual cycle
- Heat / cold sensitivity
If you experience any of the signs mentioned above, you must consult a specialist immediately.
5. Diagnostic Tests:
While diagnosing Thyroid problems, the specialist may require your previous medical history to check for symptoms that match other health conditions. However, some thyroid tests used to determine thyroid problems are:
- Blood tests, which measure the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. These include tests for TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, T3 and T4 hormones, FT3 or FT4 hormones. Other blood tests may also be done to check for Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies, thyroid receptor antibodies, etc.
- Physical examination, where the doctor will feel the patient’s neck to check for any abnormal growths in the gland.
- Imaging tests, also known as thyroid scans, also help to diagnose thyroid problems. These tests allow the doctor to check the presence of any nodules in the thyroid gland. Usually, an ultrasound is the most common imaging test done to diagnose thyroid issues.
- In some cases, biopsy or fine-needle aspiration is also done to remove cells or tissues from the gland for further examination.
6. How can Thyroid Disorders be treated?
The best way to treat thyroid disorders is by returning the thyroid hormone levels to their normal range. This can be done in various ways, such as:
- Using anti-thyroid drugs which help the Thyroid to stop making hormones
- Radioactive iodine treatment, which damages thyroid cells, thereby stopping it from releasing excess thyroid hormones
- Using beta-blockers, which control the different symptoms of thyroid disorders
- Thyroidectomy, wherein the thyroid gland is surgically removed to stop the production of thyroid hormones.
- Administering thyroid medications replacement medications to control thyroid disorders with reduced secretion of thyroid hormones.
You can get the Best thyroid treatment in Delhi by consulting Dr Hemi Soneja. Dr Soneja offers the best treatment for thyroid problems at affordable prices, by providing the best preventive measures, treatment plan and post-treatment care.
Take Away
Thyroid disorders and problems can be very well managed when treated with the correct medications and treatments. In some cases, they may also sometimes require surgery. However, with a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and a well-maintained diet, these conditions can be kept under control. Therefore, it is best to get yourself examined by an experienced professional.
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