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Best Thyroid Disorders Treatment Doctors in Dhakuria

Thyroid Disorders

Best Thyroid Disorders Treatment Doctors in Dhakuria

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ situated in the anterior portion of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. Despite its small size, the thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating numerous bodily functions by producing thyroid hormones - triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones are responsible for controlling metabolism, energy production, body temperature, and the functioning of organs and tissues throughout the body.

Thyroid disorders occur when the thyroid gland produces too much or too little thyroid hormone, leading to a range of symptoms and health issues. Common thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.

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FAQ's

In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland becomes hyperactive and produces thyroid hormones over the body's needs, causing various physiological changes and symptoms. Common causes of hyperthyroidism include autoimmune diseases, such as Graves' disease, where the immune system produces antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland to overproduce hormones. Other causes may include thyroid nodules or goitre, thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland), excessive iodine intake, or certain medications.

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

  • Weight loss despite an increased appetite
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Nervousness, irritability, and trouble sleeping
  • Fatigue
  • Shaky hands and muscle weakness
  • Sweating or trouble tolerating heat
  • Frequent bowel movements
  • Enlargement of the thyroid gland, known as a goitre

In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland fails to produce an adequate amount of thyroid hormones, leading to a slowing down of bodily functions and metabolic processes. Common causes of hypothyroidism include autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, where the immune system attacks and damages the thyroid gland, as well as thyroid surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, certain medications, iodine deficiency, and congenital hypothyroidism (present at birth).

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Constipation
  • Weight gain
  • Muscle aches and joint pain
  • Hoarseness and throat discomfort
  • Dry skin and hair
  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Cold Intolerance

Thyroid nodules are irregular growths or masses that develop within the thyroid gland. These nodules can vary in size, ranging from very small to several centimetres in diameter, and may be solid or fluid-filled (cystic). Thyroid nodules are quite common and are often discovered incidentally during imaging studies, such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans, conducted for unrelated reasons.

Untreated or poorly managed thyroid disorders can lead to various complications, including cardiovascular problems, infertility, pregnancy complications, osteoporosis, thyroid storm (life-threatening hyperthyroidism), myxedema coma (life-threatening hypothyroidism), and thyroid cancer.

Thyroid disorders are diagnosed through blood tests that measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones like T-4 and T-3. The initial blood test usually checks TSH levels, and if high, a follow-up test for T-4 is conducted. If TSH is high and T-4 is low, it indicates hypothyroidism. In cases where TSH is high but T-4 and T-3 are within the standard range, it may suggest subclinical hypothyroidism, which often does not cause noticeable symptoms.

Treatment for thyroid disorders depends on the specific condition and may include Medications (such as thyroid hormone replacement for hypothyroidism or antithyroid medications for hyperthyroidism), Radioactive Iodine Therapy, Thyroid Surgery (Thyroidectomy), and monitoring for thyroid cancer.

Thyroid disorders, particularly untreated or poorly managed hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Thyroid hormone imbalances can disrupt ovulation and menstrual cycles, increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and complications during pregnancy (such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes), and affect the development of the foetus.

Thyroid disorders can have a genetic component, meaning that they can run in families and be passed down from parents to their offspring. However, the inheritance pattern and genetic factors contributing to thyroid disorders can vary depending on the specific type of thyroid disorder.

Stress and certain lifestyle factors, such as inadequate sleep, poor nutrition, and excessive alcohol consumption, can affect thyroid function indirectly by disrupting hormonal balance, immune function, and metabolic processes. Managing stress and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help support thyroid health.

Along with medication, lifestyle changes are essential for the management of thyroid disorders. The following lifestyle changes can help manage thyroid disorders:

  • Focus on incorporating foods high in iodine (such as seafood, dairy, and iodized salt), selenium (found in Brazil nuts, fish, and eggs), and zinc (found in meat, shellfish, and legumes). Include sources of omega-3 fatty acids as well (such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and fatty fish).

  • Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve metabolism and energy levels, which may be beneficial for individuals with thyroid disorders. 

  • Quit smoking, as it has been linked to an increased risk of thyroid disorders and can worsen existing thyroid conditions.

  • Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature can help manage stress levels and support thyroid health.

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