The thyroid is a tiny, butterfly-shaped gland that generates the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It is located near the base of the front of the neck. These hormones have an impact on all elements of metabolism as well as the regulation of critical activities like body temperature and heart rate.
In order to create T4 and T3, the thyroid gland requires sufficient levels of dietary iodine.
The following are the most common thyroid issues:
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland generates too much hormone. It's also known as hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not generate enough hormone. It's also known as hypothyroidism.
Thyroid Cancer: occurs when certain thyroid cells become malignant.
Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland that is particularly big. A swelling in the neck is usually the only symptom of a goiter. A large goiter can also produce a sore throat, coughing, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Thyroid Nodules are a type of toxic nodular goiter, often known as multinodular goiter. Thyroid nodules are growths on or inside the thyroid gland that can cause the gland to overproduce hormones.
Thyroiditis is an inflammatory condition of the thyroid gland that can be caused by hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Thyroiditis can be caused by an autoimmune disease (particularly Hashimoto thyroiditis), an infection, exposure to a thyroid-toxic substance, or an unknown cause (idiopathic).
Thyroid disease is more common in women than in males, especially after pregnancy and after menopause. Thyroid problems in women can lead to:
Menstrual irregularities: The thyroid aids in the regulation of the menstrual cycle. Periods might be light, heavy, or irregular due to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Thyroid disease can cause amenorrhea, which is when a woman's period stops for several months or more, and can potentially lead to early menopause (before age 40).
Challenges to becoming pregnant
When thyroid dysfunction interferes with the menstrual cycle, it also interferes with ovulation, making conception more difficult.
Obstacles in pregnancy
Thyroid issues during pregnancy can affect both the mother and the baby's health.
Hypothyroidism is caused by the following conditions:
Hyperthyroidism is caused by the following conditions:
Common symptoms of Hypothyroidism:
Babies with hypothyroidism may have:
Children and teens have the same signs and symptoms as adults, but they may also experience:
Common symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Thyroid disease must be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. To check thyroid function, doctors may request one or more blood tests.
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels in the blood are measured in this test. The anterior pituitary gland produces TSH, which activates the thyroid. This test is used to detect hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, as well as to screen infants for hypothyroidism and track thyroid medication.
Thyroid gland function and thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are assessed using this test. Free T4 is also used to diagnose babies with congenital hypothyroidism.
T4 in the blood is almost entirely linked to protein. The remaining portion is free (unbound) and is the hormone's physiologically active form. This test determines how much free T4 is present in the blood.
It aids in the assessment of thyroid gland function and the diagnosis of thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism. It also aids in the monitoring of the success of thyroid problem medication.
T3 is almost entirely linked to protein in the blood. The remaining portion is free (unbound) and is the hormone's physiologically active form. This test determines the amount of free T3 and total T3 in the blood (bound and unbound).
This test detects thyroid antibodies in the blood and aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of autoimmune thyroid illnesses, as well as the differentiation of these from other types of thyroid disease.
Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in order to combat external invaders such as viruses and bacteria. Thyroid antibodies come in a variety of forms.
Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies: Antibodies like these can indicate Hashimoto thyroiditis or Graves' disease.
Thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg): Graves' disease and Hashimoto thyroiditis can both be indicated by these antibodies. Tg and TPO antibodies are commonly found in persons with Hashimoto thyroiditis.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TSHR): Grave's disease can be indicated by these antibodies.
The amount of thyroglobulin, a protein generated by the thyroid gland, in the blood is measured in this test. This test is used to track thyroid cancer treatment and detect recurrence.
Thyroid scans A specialised imaging process used to diagnose thyroid gland anomalies and assess thyroid function in various locations of the thyroid gland.
Ultrasound An imaging scan of the thyroid to look for abnormalities such as cysts, nodules, or malignancies.