Thyroid
Over view
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. It produces thyroid hormones (T3 & T4), which regulate metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, and heart rate.
When the thyroid produces too much or too little hormone, it leads to thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter, and thyroid nodules.
Common Thyroid Disorders
1. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
🚫 Thyroid does not produce enough hormones.
Causes:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune disease)
- Iodine deficiency
- Thyroid removal surgery
- Radiation therapy
Symptoms:
❌ Weight gain
❌ Fatigue & depression
❌ Cold intolerance
❌ Dry skin & hair loss
❌ Slow heart rate
❌ Constipation
Treatment:
💊 Levothyroxine (synthetic thyroid hormone) taken daily.
2. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
🔥 Thyroid produces too much hormone.
Causes:
- Graves’ disease (autoimmune condition)
- Thyroid nodules (toxic goiter)
- Excess iodine intake
Symptoms:
🔥 Weight loss
🔥 Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
🔥 Nervousness & anxiety
🔥 Excessive sweating
🔥 Heat intolerance
🔥 Tremors (shaking hands)
Treatment:
💊 Antithyroid medications (Methimazole, Propylthiouracil)
💉 Radioactive iodine therapy (destroys overactive thyroid cells)
🔪 Surgery (Thyroidectomy) in severe cases.
3. Goiter (Enlarged Thyroid Gland)
📢 Swelling of the thyroid gland, causing a visible lump in the neck.
Causes:
- Iodine deficiency
- Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
- Thyroid nodules
Symptoms:
- Swollen neck
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing (in severe cases)
Treatment:
- Swollen neck
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing (in severe cases)
Treatment:
🛑 If mild, no treatment needed.
💊 Thyroid hormone therapy or iodine supplements if necessary.
4. Thyroid Nodules (Lumps in the Thyroid)
❗ Solid or fluid-filled lumps that form in the thyroid gland.
Causes:
- Iodine deficiency
- Thyroid cysts or tumors
Symptoms:
- Usually no symptoms
- Can cause swelling, difficulty swallowing, or voice changes
Treatment:
- Observation (if benign)
- Surgery (if cancerous or causing problems).
- Usually no symptoms
- Can cause swelling, difficulty swallowing, or voice changes
Treatment:
- Observation (if benign)
- Surgery (if cancerous or causing problems).
Diagnosis
🩸Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs)
- TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) Test
- T3 & T4 Blood Tests
📸 Ultrasound or Thyroid Scan – Checks for nodules or goiter.
🔬 Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy – Rules out thyroid cancer.
Natural Ways to Support Thyroid Health
✅ Eat iodine-rich foods – Fish, dairy, iodized salt.
✅ Get enough selenium & zinc – Nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
✅ Manage stress – Meditation, yoga, and good sleep.
✅ Avoid excessive soy & processed foods – Can interfere with thyroid function.
Conclusion
Thyroid disorders are common but treatable with medication, lifestyle changes, and proper diagnosis. If you experience unexplained weight changes, fatigue, or mood swings, consult a doctor for a thyroid test.