Health Care: What is thyroid? Know the symptoms, causes and prevention

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Health Care: The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of our neck. It plays an important role in regulating various functions in the body by producing hormones. It also helps in controlling the metabolic activity of our body which is the process of converting food into energy that the body can use.

Triiodothyronine T3 and thyroxine T4 are the main hormones produced by the thyroid gland. These hormones are released into your bloodstream and have important effects on many aspects of your body. Too much thyroid hormone causes hyperthyroidism and not enough hormone production can lead to hypothyroidism. If not treated on time, it can lead to complications like heart problems and cholesterol problems.

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Thyroid disorders can be caused by various factors, depending on which type of thyroid has affected you. The two main types of thyroid disorders are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and they can have different causes.

What are the causes of hypothyroidism

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: This is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. The immune system attacks and damages the thyroid gland, which reduces hormone production.

• Thyroiditis: This is caused by inflammation of the thyroid, often triggered by a viral infection, which can lead to hypothyroidism.

• Radiation therapy: Some radiation treatments can damage the thyroid gland and cause hypothyroidism.

• Some medications, such as lithium and amiodarone, can affect thyroid function.

• Iodine Deficiency: Deficiency of iodine, a nutrient essential for thyroid hormone production, can also cause this disease.

• Malfunctioning pituitary gland: Problems in the pituitary gland, which controls hormone production in the thyroid, can lead to secondary hypothyroidism.

What are the causes of hyperthyroidism

• Graves’ disease: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system stimulates the thyroid to produce excessive hormones. This can cause symptoms like bulging eyes.

• toxic multinodular goiter: multiple nodules develop in the thyroid that produce excess thyroid hormone, leading to hyperthyroidism

• Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid can cause temporary hyperthyroidism.

• Excessive iodine intake: Consuming too much iodine through diet or supplements can lead to hyperthyroidism.

• Certain drugs, such as amiodarone and interferon-alpha, can trigger hyperthyroidism.

• In some cases, genetics also plays a role in aggravating thyroid disorder. Apart from this, factors like stress, pregnancy and poor lifestyle also give rise to thyroid problems.

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism

• fatigue and weakness

• weight gain or difficulty losing weight

• intolerant of cold

• dry skin and hair

• constipation

• muscle soreness

• depression or mood changes

• slow heart rate

• memory problems

• Swollen face

• menstrual irregularities

• What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism

• fast heartbeat or palpitations

• sudden weight loss

• increased appetite

• anxiety or worry

• worsening of tremors or shaking hands

• heat intolerance

• sweating profusely

• Insomnia

• bulging eyes

• muscle weakness

• irregular menstruation

What is the essential health test

• T3 and T4 test

• thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test

• thyroid antibody test

• radioactive iodine uptake test

• thyroid ultrasound

Treatment

• thyroid hormone replacement therapy

• antithyroid drugs

• radioactive iodine therapy

• thyroid surgery (thyroidectomy)

• beta-blocking drugs

Thyroid symptoms can vary in severity and can be mixed with other health conditions, it is important to get treated from a medical expert to get a proper diagnosis.

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