Thyroid Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Explained

The thyroid gland is tiny, yet its effect on your body’s health is massive. The hormones it creates influence the majority of major processes in your body, including heart rate and metabolism to body temperature, mood and levels of energy.

When thyroid glands produce excessive or insufficient amounts of these essential hormones, it can trigger various health problems. They are all referred to as thyroid-related diseases. The good news is that most thyroid issues can be identified and managed with modern medical technology.

In this article guide, we’ll discuss the causes of thyroid diseases, what it is, how they develop, how they impact the body and what you can do about them.

What Is the Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid gland is a tiny, shapely organ that is located at the upper part of your neck close to your Adam’s Apple. It’s part of your body’s endocrine system, which is the organ responsible for generating and controlling hormones within the body.

What Does the Thyroid Do?

The thyroid’s primary function is to create two hormones.

Thyroxine (T4)
Triiodothyronine (T3)

They regulate the rate of your metabolism, that is, the speed at which your body transforms calories into food. They also affect how your body uses oxygen and controls a variety of vital bodily functions.

Thyroid hormones impact:

Temperature of the body
Heart rate, blood pressure
Digestive function
Strength of bone and muscles
Hair, skin and health of nails
Mental function and brain
Fertility and menstrual cycles

If thyroid hormone levels are imbalanced, the processes slow down or speed up -sometimes reaching unsafe levels.

What Is Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid disease refers to any disorder which prevents your thyroid gland from generating the proper amount of hormones.

If your thyroid makes excessive amounts of hormone the condition is known as hyperthyroidism.
If it makes insufficient hormones, It is referred to as hypothyroidism.

Both diseases can result in an array of problems and symptoms if left untreated.

Thyroid diseases can also involve:

Goiter A over-extended thyroid gland.
Nodules in the thyroid — Leukocytes within the thyroid gland that can be cancerous or benign.
Thyroid cancer is an uncommon yet serious type of cancer that targets the thyroid gland.

Types and Causes of Thyroid Disease

1. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

Hyperthyroidism happens because your thyroid produces excess thyroid hormone. This can speed up your body’s function.

The most common causes of this are:

Graves”disease A condition of the immune system that causes the thyroid gland to create too much hormone.
Toxic goitre nodular Lumps (nodules) inside the thyroid gland produce excessive hormones.
The subacute form of thyroiditis is A temporary thyroid inflammation, which can cause leakage of hormones.
Pituitary gland disorders or thyroid cancers are rare.

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:

A rapid or irregular heartbeat
Heat intolerance and sweating
The loss of weight (despite an increase in appetite or normal eating)
Stress or anger
The hands shake. (shaking hands)
Eyes protruding out (Graves’ Disease)
Muscle weakness and fatigue

2. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid is not producing sufficient hormones, causing a slowdown in the body’s processes.

Common causes are:

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: An autoimmune disorder that attacks the immune system. Thyroid tissue.
Thyroiditis postpartum Thyroid inflammation that is temporary post-childbirth.
Iodine insufficient Iodine is a vital element to produce hormones.
Surgery to remove or radioactive destruction from the thyroid.
Certain medicines (such as lithium or the excessive exposure to iodine).

The symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

The weakness and fatigue of the body
Gain in weight
Depression and low mood
Thinning and dry skin
The cold intolerance
Constipation
The heartbeat is slow
Trouble concentrating or memory problems
Infrequent menstrual cycles

Who Is at Risk for Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid disease is widespread and is a common occurrence for anyone; however, certain populations tend to be more susceptible to developing it.

Risk factors include:

The fact that women are female (women have a 5-8x higher likelihood of developing thyroid problems)
Age (risk is higher after the age of 60)
Thyroid disease in the family history
A personal history of an autoimmune disorder (e.g. type 1, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
The thyroid has been removed, or there is radiation for the neck
Certain drugs (iodine-containing medications such as lithium)
The postpartum period and pregnancies

How Does Thyroid Disease Affect the Body?

Since thyroid hormones control many bodily functions, thyroid disorders may have a wide range of effects:

Heart A high level of hormones may cause a fast heartbeat and elevated blood pressure. Too small amounts can cause heart problems and result in tiredness.
Metabolism hyperthyroidism increases metabolism and causes weight loss. Hypothyroidism decreases metabolism and causes weight gain.
The brain and mood Thyroid issues can cause depression, anxiety and even brain fog.
Bone Health Thyroid overactivity can cause bone loss.
Health and Reproductive Thyroid issues could cause menstrual problems as well as infertility.
Pregnancy The untreated thyroid condition could affect the pregnancy outcome and the development of the fetus.

Diagnosing Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disorders can be difficult to identify because the symptoms frequently resemble those of other disorders.

The most common diagnostic tests are:

Tests for blood Test the amounts of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) as well as thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). It is the most important test for diagnosing.
Thyroid ultrasound: The process creates images of the thyroid gland to identify any changes in the structure or nodules.
The thyroid test Utilizes the radioactive iodine test to determine thyroid function.
Physical examination The doctor might examine your neck for an increase or lumps.
Iodine testing for the uptake Tests the amount of iodine the thyroid ingests that helps determine the function of your thyroid.

How to Check Your Thyroid at Home

In the mirror.
Adjust your head a bit.
Sip a glass of water and relax your neck.
Be aware of any lumps or bulges that you may notice when swallowing.
If you notice anything unusual If you notice anything unusual, talk to your physician.

Treatment of Thyroid Disease

Treating Hyperthyroidism

The treatment options are based on the severity and cause of hyperthyroidism.

Radioactive Iodine Therapy is a method of destroying a part of the thyroid gland in order to lower the production of hormones.
Antithyroid medication to reduce the amount of hormones that the thyroid makes.
Surgery Treatment of part or the entire thyroid when necessary (e.g. in the case of large goitres, thyroid cancer).
Beta-blockers help control issues like rapid heartbeat.

Treating Hypothyroidism

Replacement therapy for thyroid hormones The daily use in the form of synthesized thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) to help restore the normal levels of hormones.
The treatment is ongoing but extremely efficient when it is properly managed.

Treating Thyroid Cancer

Surgery (thyroidectomy): Removal of cancerous tissues, or even the thyroid in its entirety.
Radioactive treatment with iodine destroys thyroid cells or cancerous ones.
Other treatments could include chemotherapy or radiation for more severe instances.

Complementary Therapies and Lifestyle Support

Alternative treatments like herbal treatments, acupuncture as well as naturopathy can assist with managing symptoms but shouldn’t be used in place of medical treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor prior to exploring alternative methods of treatment.

Healthy lifestyle tips:

Consume a balanced and healthy diet that includes sufficient amounts of selenium, iodine as well as zinc.
Do not consume too much iodine.
Relaxation techniques can help relieve stress or through counselling.
Exercise regularly to boost your metabolism and improve the health of your bones.
Be sure to follow your physician’s treatment program and keep up with regular appointments.

Key Takeaways

The thyroid gland plays an important role in the regulation of the body’s metabolism as well as many other functions.
Thyroid disorders occur in cases where hormone production is excessive (hyperthyroidism) or is too minimal (hypothyroidism).
These symptoms may affect weight gain and mood, as well as energy levels as well as heart rate, digestion and much more.
The blood tests are essential in determining the presence of thyroid disease.
Treatment is dependent on the kind of thyroid condition and can be extremely effective if properly controlled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is thyroid disease treated?

Some types of thyroid diseases are treatable permanently (e.g. by surgical procedures or radioactive iodine). However, the majority of thyroid diseases require continuous care.

Do I have to live with the thyroid gland?

Yes. If your thyroid has been gone, you’ll be taking thyroid hormone replacement all your life.

Do diets help to manage thyroid diseases?

A well-balanced diet is beneficial for thyroid health However, diet alone isn’t enough to be the cure for thyroid problems. Important nutrients are iodine, selenium, and zinc.

What is the best time to see an ophthalmologist?
If you are experiencing symptoms such as unprovoked shifts in weight, fatigue changes in mood and irregular heartbeats, as well as neck swelling, see your physician.

Thyroid Disease: Everything You Need to Know