Thyroid Symptoms , Diagnostics Tests , Treatment

What is Thyroid ?

The thyroid is a gland present in the throat. It is an endocrine gland that wraps around the windpipe and has the shape of a butterfly.

The thyroid plays a vital role in various systems of the body. It maintains the cardiac and digestive systems. Thyroid hormones also regulate the body temperature and immune response. The hormones also influence the growth and development of the bones and muscles.

What does the thyroid do in your body ?

The thyroid secretes hormones to regulate the various systems. When the thyroid produces either excess or insufficient hormones?, it can result in disorders.

Hyperthyroidism is a thyroid disease cause by excess  thyroid hormone in the body. Reduced thyroid hormonal levels contribute to hypothyroidism.

The pituitary gland, present in the brain, secretes a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Failure to secrete adequate quantities of this hormone can cause secondary hypothyroidism. 

What are the warning signs of thyroid problems ?

As the thyroid hormone plays a role in several organ systems, the early warning signs of thyroid problems can be varied and often vague.

Common signs of an overactive thyroid include:

• Diarrhoea
• Increased aggression and anxiety
• Rapid weight loss resulting in a thin, lean body
• Oily skin
• Increased sweating and episodes of hot flushes
• Changes in the vision - bulging of eyes, increased redness or dryness of the eyes
• Hair thinning and increased hair loss

Thyroid problems due to lower thyroid hormone can give rise to the following signs:

• Constipation
• Depression and related mental health problems
• Increase in weight - fat and rounded body due to rapid weight gain
• Dry and flaky skin
• Sensitive to cold - cold hands and feet

Any lumps in the throat area can be a sign of severe thyroid problems and can be a sign of thyroid cancer. It is advisable to contact the doctor immediately in such a case.

What tests do doctors advise to diagnose thyroid disorders ?

Physical exam

A detailed physical exam will give the doctor a provisional diagnosis of thyroid disorder. It will include examining the pulse rate (to check if it is regular or rapid), changes in the temperature and moisture in the skin, eye changes, weight changes, reflexes, and any tremors in the hands. 

The doctor may advise further testing to confirm the diagnosis after the initial physical examination.

Blood tests

A thyroid disorder often requires blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. These blood tests detect the levels of the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and TSH in the body. TSH promotes the thyroid gland to secrete its hormones.

Increased thyroid hormone levels with low TSH levels indicate an overworking thyroid. Vitamin supplements can sometimes interfere with the blood test and should be brought to the doctor’s attention to prevent misdiagnosis.

Radioiodine uptake test

A small dose of radioactive iodine is ingested and tested at regular intervals to understand the iodine absorption. An increased uptake suggests that the thyroid hormone levels are high. 

Thyroid ultrasound

It uses ultrasound waves to detect any anomalies in the thyroid, such as nodules or lumps.

Available Treatment Options for Thyroid Disorder ?

Treatment of thyroid disorders mainly involves normalizing hormone levels. Several options for regulating hormone levels are available, and the specific treatment depends on the cause of the thyroid disorder.

Anti-thyroid medications

These medications restrict the hormonal secretions from the thyroid gland. The treatment should continue for a prolonged period to provide symptomatic relief.

Radioactive iodine

Oral radioactive iodine supplements help in decreasing the thyroid gland by getting absorbed. As the body absorbs the iodine slowly, it can take weeks for the symptoms to subside.

Recombinant human TSH

Often used in the case of hypothyroidism, these hormones aim to replace the natural TSH. It stimulates the thyroid to secrete higher levels of hormones into the body.

Thyroid surgery

Surgery is an option when other modes of treatment are unavailable, like in pregnancy. It is a permanent treatment where the surgeon removes the thyroid. lifelong hormone replacement therapy is necessary following the surgery.