Thyroid Problems

Thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located in the neck. Some aspects of health like weight, energy level and depression might get affected if thyroid stops functioning. The symptoms of thyroid appear gradually. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland influences all the metabolic activities in a person’s body. Abnormal production of thyroid hormone leads to common problems of thyroid. There are three most common thyroid problems.

Hypothyroidism: Hashimoto thyroiditis causes hypothyroidism in which the immune system of the body attacks the thyroid gland and insufficient production of hormones. The common symptoms of hypothyroidism are: fatigue, lack of energy, dry skin and hair, feeling cold, heavy menstrual periods and constipation, feeling tired, slow heart beat, weight gain, depression and forgetfulness and hoarse voice.

Hypothyroidism is treated by taking thyroid hormone pill daily called as levothyroxine. Some patients might also have to take thyroid pills for the entire life. A thyroxine tablet, which is a thyroid hormone supplement, could be prescribed by the doctor. Thyroxine tablet replaces a thyroid hormone called T4 which is not produced by thyroid.

Hyperthyroidism: Grave’s disease is the common cause of hyperthyroidism. In this type of thyroid problem the rate of metabolism speeds up due to access iodine in the food that we eat. This condition occurs when the thyroid gets overstimulated by the immune system of the body. The common symptoms are: irritability, increased nervousness, feeling hot, loss of weight, fatigue, feeling exhausted, short and light menstrual periods and frequent bowel movements, trouble concentrating and mood swings, trembling hands and excessive sweating and insomnia.

Various treatment options are available for patients with hyperthyroidism. The treatments could be given by medication, surgery or radioactive iodine. Radioactive iodine shrinks the thyroid gland. The treatment by radioactive iodine is safe. Most patients might also undergo surgery in which most of the thyroid is removed.

Thyroid Nodules: Thyroid nodules are usually harmless. Some nodules are cancerous and hence testing needs to be done. A quick and simple test called as fine needle aspiration test biopsy is done and does not take much time. Treatments options include radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid drugs and methods of surgery.

Thyroid Goiter: In this stage the thyroid gland gets enlarged. The treatment depends upon the size of the thyroid gland. Usually treatment may not be required if the thyroid gland is small in size and not growing. However the best treatment possible is a subtotal thyroidectomy in which most of the thyroid gland is removed.

Thyroiditis: In this thyroid problem the thyroid gland gets inflammated. The treatment is depended on the type of thyroiditis. For e.g. to treat autoimmune thyroiditis thyroid immune replacement method is used. To reduce inflammation of De Quervain’s bed rest and aspirin is taken.

Presence of Iodine is important in thyroid gland. Most of the iodine comes from the food we eat and travels through blood to the thyroid. Hyperthyroidism occurs due to access of iodine in food and lack of iodine in the daily diet might lead to hypothyroidism.