The thyroid gland has a butterfly-like shape and is present at the front of the neck, below the Adam’s apple. Its main function is to produce essential hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) that regulate metabolism, growth, and development throughout the body. When a person’s thyroid gland produces too much or not enough hormones, it leads to several complications and diseases related to the thyroid gland. A TSH blood test (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is a common initial screening tool to assess thyroid function. Here are some of the common diseases related to the thyroid gland:
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive and produces excess thyroid hormones. When this happens, the bodily functions are accelerated which may cause rapid heartbeat, anxiety, tremors, heat sensitivity, unexplained weight loss, and sometimes eye problems. The factors that increase the risk of developing an overactive thyroid include family history, pregnancy, and smoking. Depending on the cause of the disease, one can take treatments like medication, surgery or radioactive iodine therapy.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid, is a thyroid-related disease where the thyroid gland does not make enough hormones. This condition slows down the metabolism of the body. Some of the common symptoms of an underactive thyroid are fatigue, weight gain, depression, cold sensitivity, dry skin, and hair loss. Having a healthy lifestyle and certain medications can help individuals manage hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease that can develop in anyone but is most commonly found in middle-aged women. This disorder is a defence mechanism of the immune system that can attack and destroy the thyroid gland. Common symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and more. This condition is diagnosed through a Thyroid antibody test, measuring thyroid antibodies, including TPO (Thyroid peroxidase) and TG (Thyroglobulin).
Goitre
Goitre is an enlarged thyroid gland that can develop for several reasons, including thyroid disorders, nodules, or iodine deficiency (though rare in developed countries). While some goitres are visible as neck swelling, others are detected during physical exams. Evaluation includes ultrasound and possibly fine-needle aspiration if nodules are present.
Regular thyroid check-ups are vital, especially if you have risk factors like family history, other autoimmune conditions, or previous radiation exposure. Early detection through appropriate testing leads to better treatment outcomes.
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