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Thyroid disorders are a collective term for disorders affecting the thyroid gland and its function. The thyroid is a small gland that looks like a butterfly located at the front of the neck. It is a component of the endocrine system responsible for controlling the body’s various metabolic functions by secreting thyroid hormones. Hormones have a major role in regulating the metabolic rate, which is how quickly our food is converted into energy.
Among all the thyroid conditions, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the most prevalent. Individuals from all age groups can become susceptible to thyroid disorders. When the thyroid does not function properly, hormone production is impaired, and its effect can be felt all over the body.
Our team of endocrinologists employs advanced diagnostic tools, including blood tests and imaging studies, to accurately assess thyroid function and structure. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options may include medication to regulate hormone levels, radioactive iodine therapy, or, in some cases, surgery.
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The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones that are carried throughout the body's tissues via the blood. To produce an adequate amount of thyroid hormone, iodine intake must be 100 to 150 micrograms per day. The thyroid hormones secreted are:
Thyroxine (T4): This hormone is commonly found in the blood
Triiodothyronine (T3): This hormone is formed only in brain and liver tissues by converting T4
These thyroid hormones help the body use energy and keep the basal metabolism stable, thus controlling the body temperature required for optimal functioning of the brain, muscles, heart, and other organs.
Thyroid disorders can develop as a result of overproduction (hyperthyroidism) or underproduction (hypothyroidism) of hormones by the thyroid gland. Among the several thyroid conditions are the following:
In general, there are two categories of thyroid disorder symptoms: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The symptoms are "opposites" for these two thyroid conditions. This is because a hypothyroid body has a slower metabolism than a hyperthyroid one.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism:
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism:
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism may not be apparent during the early disease stage.
Before doing a physical examination, your healthcare professional will first enquire about your symptoms and medical history. Your thyroid gland will be gently felt during the exam to see whether it is swollen or if any nodules are visible. To establish a diagnosis, your physician will need to perform certain thyroid tests. Among them are:
Blood tests: The blood tests measure T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, and thyroid antibody testing is among the several forms of thyroid blood testing to confirm the diagnosis.
Imaging testing: Your doctor can search for goitres and/or nodules (lumps) with the use of imaging tests like a thyroid ultrasound. If nodules are hyperactive, nuclear medicine imaging techniques such as thyroid uptake and scans can help reveal this.
Biopsy: To confirm the diagnosis, a biopsy may be performed in certain circumstances.
The type of thyroid illness and its underlying cause will determine how it is treated. Restoring your thyroid hormone levels to a healthy range is the aim of the treatment.
Treatment choices for hyperthyroidism include:
Antithyroid medications like methimazole and methylthiouracil stop your thyroid from making hormones.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy helps induce damage to the thyroid cells, preventing the thyroid gland from overproducing thyroid hormone.
Beta-blockers: These drugs help control some symptoms, such as an accelerated heart rate, but they do not affect thyroid function.
Surgery: Your doctor could advise a Thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid) as a more long-term course of therapy. It will no longer produce hormones as a result. But for the remainder of your life, you will have to take synthetic (made) thyroid replacement hormones in the form of tablets.
Alternatively, a small piece of thyroid tissue may be retrieved to check for the possibility of thyroid cancer or other thyroid-related diseases.
Treatment choices for hypothyroidism include:
Thyroid Replacement Therapy with Levothyroxine is the primary therapeutic option for hypothyroidism. It's an artificial way of replenishing your body with more thyroid hormones.
In general, individuals with thyroid disorders have a good quality of life, with no limitations on diet, exercise, work, or sexual activity. Many times, thyroid disorders are chronic medical conditions requiring lifelong management. This frequently entails taking medicine every day. Your physician will keep an eye on your treatments and make any adjustments over time. It could take some time to figure out how to regulate your hormone levels in the best way for you. A moderate dietary intake of iodine is often recommended for most patients. However, you must lead a healthy lifestyle by quitting smoking and alcohol consumption and consuming a healthy diet.
Pregnancy is not contraindicated for individuals with thyroid disorders. However, if you plan on getting pregnant, inform your endocrinologist, as it is important to modify your treatment plan as necessary. For individuals with hypothyroidism, the medication dosage may be increased, whereas, for hyperthyroidism, it is preferential to postpone pregnancy until the hormone levels have stabilised.
For individuals undergoing, Iodine Ablation Treatment getting pregnant is contraindicated for 6 to 12 months following the procedure until the hormones stabilise to prevent the risk of foetal malformation.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you can consult with your healthcare provider:
However, if you develop a high fever, rapid heart rate, altered mental status, loss of consciousness, or very low body temperature, it could be an indication of a myxedema coma or a thyroid storm, which requires immediate medical intervention.
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