Understanding the Thyroid Gland
Located at the front of your neck below Adam’s apple; the thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland. Even though it is small, the thyroid produces hormones that control your metabolic rate (how many calories you burn at rest), energy levels and heart rate. Here, we will look at the function and location of the thyroid gland as well as its hormones before coming to more general discussion around common thyroid problems alongside specific symptoms linked with growing imbalances within this important positive organ.
Location, Hormones & Functions of the Thyroid
The thyroid gland is located in the lower front of neck and surround the windpipe (trachea). It is divided into two lobes : right lobe and left lobe separated by bridge of tissue called isthmus. The pituitary is part of the endocrine system, which releases hormones into your blood.
The Thyroid hormones: The thyroid gland synthesises two primary hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine(T3). And these hormones control your metabolism, which is the way that food gets turned into energy in your body. T4 is the predominant hormone secreted by your thyroid, but it must be converted to T3 in other tissues ofthe body. The thyroid gland also makes calcitonin, a hormone that helps adjust calcium blood level.
The Pituitary Gland Controls Your Thyroid: A tiny gland in the brain, called the pituitary gland regulates how much hormone your thyroid produces. It is regulated by a feedback mechanism in the brain where the pituitary gland releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which stimulates the thyroid to release thyroxine. Hypothyroidism occurs when thyroxine and triiodothryonine levels are too low, so the pituitary gland releases more TSH to stimulate production of these hormones by the thyroid; conversely elevated levels will inhibit further release.
Common Thyroid Problems
The first three are products of the thyroid gland, while a malfunctioning thyroid produces either too much or not enough and is called Hyperthyroidism (overactive) thyrotoxicosis/Graves’ disease Hypothyroidism Hashimoto’s_Thyoidtis Thyedgprm cancer. Some of the more common thyroid health problems include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and goiter.
Hypothyroidism
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What is Hypothyroidism?
Definition: When the thyroid gland does not produce enough of its hormone, it is called hypothyroidism. When you have hypothyroidism, your metabolism can slow down and cause symptoms like feeling tired all the time, weight gain or depression.
Causes of Hypothyroidism:
Autoimmune Disease – the most common cause of hypothyroidism, Hashimotos thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder, in which body’s own immune system attacks their tissues and organs.
Iodine Deficiency: Thyroid hormones are produced with the help of iodine. Iodine deficient diet. — Hypothyroidism may develop due to a lack of iodine in your diet.
Thyroid Surgery — Removal of part or all the thyroid gland which can reduce hormone production leading to hypothyroidism.
Radiation therapy: Radiation used to treat cancers of the head and neck can damage the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.
- Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:
- Fatigue and sluggishness
- Unexplained weight gain
- Dry skin and hair
- Cold intolerance
- Constipation
- Depression
- Memory problems
- Muscle weakness
- Hyperthyroidism
Summary Article Name 9 Common Causes of Hyperthyroidism And Symptoms Description Learn more about the causes and symptoms for hyperthyroidism.
What is Hyperthyroidism? What is hyper thyroidism Hyper thyroidism also pertains to the thyroid gland however this time there’s too much production of a hormone by the name Thyroxin, thus “T3 and T4” levels are very high causing your metabolism rate to double up. This can lead to weight loss, a rapid heart rate and anxiety.
Causes of Hyperthyroidism:
Graves’ Disease: Graves is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It happens when the immune system develop antibodies that cause thyroid to produce more hormone than it needs.
Thyroid Nodules: If an overactive thyroid nodule (adenoma) develops, it can produce excesses of thyroid hormones that lead to hyperthyroidism.
Too Much Iodine: If you get too much iodine, whether it’s from food or medicines (for example, amiodarone and KI), your thyroid may begin to produce more hormone than the body needs.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Tremors in the hands
- Increased sweating
- Heat intolerance
- Frequent bowel movements
- Difficulty sleeping
- Goiter
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What is Goiter? Goiter is the abnormal enlargement of thyroid gland. Symptoms of Subclinical Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy It may happen in those that have regular thyroid operate and will also influence otherwise having hypothyroid or perhaps hyperthyroid.
Causes of Goiter:
Most Common Causes: Iodine Deficiency- ok this is the #1 cause of goiter on a world scale due to lack iodine in diet. If there is not enough iodine in the diet, then compensatory enlargement of the thyroid may occur as it becomes unable to continue producing normal levels of thyroxine and hypothyroid symptoms develop.
Autoimmune Diseases — Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease : Both of these types can lead to a goiter since the immune system attacks the cells in that region.
Thyroid Nodules: Enlargement of thyroid gland results from nodularity (benign or cancerous) within the thyroid gland.
Symptoms of Goiter:
Swelling that is visible at the base of neck
Tightness in the throat
Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Hoarseness of voice
Thyroid Symptoms: Do You Have an Underactive or Overactive Thyroid?
Symptoms of thyroid diseases differ depending on if the thyroid is too slow, fast and tied in size. Early symptoms have to be identified for a better treatment.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders
Fatigue: Fatigue, or overall weakness and malaise is a cardinal presentiiant; this is more typically detectable in the setting of hypothyroidism than hyperthyroid.
Changes in weight: An unexplained increase can signal hypothyroidism while accidental loss often points to hyperthyroideyJitness
Mood symptoms: Hypothyroidism can also cause depression or memory problems, and hyperthyroidism gives rise to anxiety, nervousness or irritability.
Temperature sensitivity: People with hypothyroidism feel cold much of the time, while those who have hyperthyroidism may sweat a lot.
Changes in pulse: Hypothyroidism heart disease may get a low pulse (bradycardia) whereas hyperthyroidism can result into quick or sporadic heartbeat (tachycardia).
Neck Swelling: If there is visible swelling in the neck region it could be due to goiter which can accompany several thyroid disease.
Changes in the hair and skin: Dry, brittle hair and rough, cold skins are seen with hypothyroidism while thinning of hairs on scalp or loss of outer third part eyebrows. smooth, warm sweaty skin can be seen with hyperthyroidism.
Problems with digestion: -In hypothyroidism, there is may contribute in the development of constipation and diarrhea are symptoms often seen together.
The diagnosis and treatment of thyroid
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Thyroid Disease Diagnosis
Thyroid disorders are generally diagnosed by physical exam, blood tests (including hormone levels), imaging studies and biopsy.
Blood Test: Blood tests are the most common method of diagnosing thyroid disorders. The levels of TSH, followed by those for T4 and then the others such as t3, thyroid antibodies are measured to determine whether a person is suffering from hypothyroidism.
Imaging Tests: Thyroid ultrasound is a common way of looking for nodules and goiter within the thyroid gland. To asses thyroid function, a radioactive iodine uptake test may be used.
Biopsy: tumor in the thyroid if identified, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy will be conducted to determine cancer of the thyroid.
How Thyroid disorders can be treated
Thyroid disorder treatment Treatments for thyroid disorders vary depending on the specific condition and severity.
Medication:
Hypothyroidism — This is treated with synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) which will serve as the replacement for the deficient hormones.
Hyperthyroidism: The thyroid releases too much hormone (treated with medications help control this, like methimazole or propylthiouracil). Beta-blockers are also used to treat symptoms like a fast heart rate.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy:
A therapy for hyperthyroidism which involves destroying parts of the thyroid that are producing too much hormone.
Thyroid Surgery:
In the case of large goiters, thyroid nodules or cancer surgery (thyroidectomy) might be required to remove part or all of your thyroid gland.
Dietary Management:
Can be good for hypothyroidism, but do not have excess iodine and avoid excessive amounts of goitrogenic foods (like soy and cruciferous vegetables)
A sensible and healthy diet that is low in iodine to support overall health, if you have hyperthyroidism.
Post-Surgery Recovery:
Some patients may need to take thyroid hormone replacement for the rest of their lives following a thyroid surgery. This can be done with medications to manage any side effects you may have from the radiation, and more blood tests will occur over time in order to track your hormone levels.
Conclusion
Knowledge of the thyroid gland and its actions is necessary to identify symptoms as well treat all problems that can interfere with it. Diagnosis at the right time leads to proper treatment of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or goiter that is very crucial for our regular living. If you have any symptom of thyroid disorders, visit a healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment.
For more information or to schedule a Thyroid Health Check, contact London Private Ultrasound. Visit our website at www.londonsono.com, call us at 02071013377, or email us at [email protected]. Take proactive steps to protect your heart today.