This gland is more or less triangular in shape, situated in the neck, just above the cartilage of the collar bone and is known as thyroid gland. It is essential in metabolism control, growth and development for the body to produce thyroxines.
Functions of the thyroid gland:
1. Regulates metabolism: Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism within our bodies.
2. Influences growth and development: Thyroid hormones play important roles in capacity for growth and development with specific emphasis on the young persons.
3. Maintains body temperature: Thyroid hormones play a role in the regulation of temperature of the body.
4. Supports heart function: Cortisol and thyroid hormones can influence the normal beating rate and therefore determine the cardiac output.
5. Regulates menstrual cycle: Estrogens can only be produced in the woman’s ovaries after its stimulation by the thyroid hormones which in turn controls the periodical cycle in women.
Common thyroid disorders:
1. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): The gland has a problem in that it does not secrete enough thyroid hormones.
2. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid): There is overproduction of thyroid hormones by the gland.
3. Goiter: When the thyroid gland becomes enlarged it is known as goiter.
4. Thyroid nodules: Benign tumours, which develop on the gland surface.
5. Thyroid cancer: Tumours that grow in the thyroid gland.
Thyroid gland disorders can be broadly classified into two categories: Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid and Hyperthyroidism, commonly referred to as overactive thyroid.
Hypothyroidism can also be referred to as Underactive Thyroid it’s a condition whereby the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.
- Causes: Goitre can be caused by iodine deficiency, autoimmune thyroiditis, actionable radiation, actionable thyroidectomy, certain drugs
- Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Depression
- Treatment: Oral synthetic thyroid hormones known by the brand name levothyroxine
Hyperthyroidism (Overactivity of Thyroid)
- Causes: In Graves’ disease, toxic multinodular goiter, thyroid nodules, or excessive iodine consumption
- Symptoms:
- Weight loss
- Rapid heartbeat
- Increased sweating
- Nervousness
- Fatigue
- Heat intolerance
- Changes in appetite
- Treatment:
Anti thyroid drugs (methimazole, propylthiouracil)
- Radioactive iodine
- Surgery (thyroidectomy)
Other Thyroid Disorders
- Goiter: Swelling of the thyroid gland
- Thyroid nodules: Benign tumours or nodules on the thyroid gland
- Thyroid cancer: Tumours that power the thyroid gland
- Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland is known as thyroiditis.
Diagnosis
- Blood tests: TSH, free T4, free T3
- Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy
Lifestyle Changes
- Dietary modifications: Sea foods, fish especially those found in the sea also contains iodine, selenium foods.
- Stress management: Yoga, meditation, exercise
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding excessive iodine intake
It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders.
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