Thyroid / Thyroid Disease

Jai Ganesh · Yesterday 18:33:04

Thyroid / Thyroid Disease

Gist

Is thyroid a serious problem?

Yes, thyroid problems can be serious if left untreated, potentially causing heart issues, infertility, bone problems, and even life-threatening conditions like myxedema coma, but they are often manageable with timely diagnosis and consistent treatment, allowing for a normal life. The severity depends on the type (underactive hypothyroidism or overactive hyperthyroidism) and whether it's addressed, as complications can affect heart rate, weight, mood, and energy levels.

To "reduce thyroid" (meaning manage thyroid health), focus on a balanced diet with selenium (nuts, seafood) and zinc, manage stress through yoga/meditation, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, avoid smoking and processed foods, and take prescribed medication if needed, always consulting a doctor for diagnosis and treatment of conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Medical treatments vary from medications (levothyroxine for underactive, anti-thyroid drugs for overactive) to radioiodine therapy or surgery, depending on the specific disorder.

Summary

The thyroid, or thyroid gland, is an endocrine gland in vertebrates. In humans, it is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck below the Adam's apple. It consists of two connected lobes. The lower two thirds of the lobes are connected by a thin band of tissue called the isthmus (pl.: isthmi). Microscopically, the functional unit of the thyroid gland is the spherical thyroid follicle, lined with follicular cells (thyrocytes), and occasional parafollicular cells that surround a lumen containing colloid.

The thyroid gland secretes three hormones: the two thyroid hormones – triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) – and a peptide hormone, calcitonin. The thyroid hormones influence the metabolic rate and protein synthesis and growth and development in children. Calcitonin plays a role in calcium homeostasis.

Secretion of the two thyroid hormones is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is secreted from the anterior pituitary gland. TSH is regulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which is produced by the hypothalamus.

Thyroid disorders include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis), thyroid enlargement (goitre), thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by excessive secretion of thyroid hormones: the most common cause is the autoimmune disorder Graves' disease. Hypothyroidism is characterized by a deficient secretion of thyroid hormones: the most common cause is iodine deficiency. In iodine-deficient regions, hypothyroidism (due to iodine deficiency) is the leading cause of preventable intellectual disability in children. In iodine-sufficient regions, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is the autoimmune disorder Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Details

The thyroid gland is a vital endocrine (hormone-producing) gland. It plays a major role in the metabolism, growth and development of the human body. It helps to regulate many body functions by constantly releasing a steady amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. If the body needs more energy in certain situations – for instance, if it is growing or cold, or during pregnancy – the thyroid gland produces more hormones.

Location and structure of the thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is found at the front of the neck, under the voice box. It is butterfly-shaped: The two lobes on either side lie against and around the windpipe (trachea), and are connected at the front by a narrow strip of tissue known as the isthmus.

The thyroid typically weighs between 20 and 60 grams. It is surrounded by two fibrous capsules. The outer capsule is connected to the voice box muscles and many important blood vessels and nerves. There is loose connective tissue between the inner and the outer capsule, so the thyroid can move and change its position when we swallow.

The thyroid tissue consists of many individual lobules that are each enclosed in a thin layer of connective tissue. These lobules contain a great number of small sacs – called follicles – which store thyroid hormones in the form of little droplets.

What hormones does the thyroid make?

The thyroid gland produces three hormones:

* Triiodothyronine (T3)
* Tetraiodothyronine (T4), also called thyroxine
* Calcitonin

Only T3 and T4 are considered proper thyroid hormones. Calcitonin is made by C-cells. It is involved in calcium and bone metabolism.

Iodine is an important substance that is needed to make the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Our bodies can’t produce this trace element, so we need to get enough of it in our diet. Iodine is absorbed into our bloodstream from food in our bowel. It is then carried to the thyroid gland, where it is used to make thyroid hormones.

How do the thyroid hormones work?

The more active T3 and T4 become in the body, the more the basal metabolic rate goes up (the amount of energy your body needs while at rest). They make all of the cells in the body work harder. This has the following effects, for example:

* Body temperature rises
* The heart beat becomes stronger and the pulse faster
* Food is used up more quickly because energy stored in the liver and muscles is broken down
* The brain matures (in children)
* Growth is promoted (in children)
* Activation of the nervous system leads to higher levels of attention and quicker reflexes

How is the production of hormones regulated?

Sometimes our bodies need more thyroid hormones, and sometimes they need less. To make the exact right amount of hormones, the thyroid gland needs the help of another gland: the pituitary gland. It is part of the brain and it regulates many of the processes inside our body. One of the things it does is to use the hormone TSH to control the amount of hormones the thyroid gland releases into the bloodstream.

Most of the thyroid hormones in the bloodstream are bound to proteins, which makes them inactive. If the body needs more hormones, T3 and T4 can be released from these proteins in the blood and do their job.

Thyroid problems and diseases

An overactive thyroid makes too many hormones (hyperthyroidism). An underactive thyroid doesn’t make enough hormones (hypothyroidism). Both of these imbalances can lead to many different symptoms.

The thyroid gland may get bigger too. Sometimes the whole thyroid gland becomes enlarged (diffuse goiter), and sometimes individual lumps called nodules grow in the gland (nodular goiter).

Various tests can be used to diagnose medical conditions affecting the thyroid.

Additional Information

Thyroid disease is an umbrella term for conditions that affect how your thyroid functions. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the two main types of thyroid disease. But they each have multiple possible causes. Thyroid diseases are treatable — usually with medication.

Overview:

What is thyroid disease?

Thyroid disease is a general term for a medical condition that keeps your thyroid from making the right amount of hormones. It can affect people of all ages.

Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck under your skin. It’s a part of your endocrine system and controls many of your body’s important functions by producing and releasing thyroid hormones, like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

Your thyroid’s main job is to control the speed of your metabolism (metabolic rate). This is the process of how your body transforms the food you consume into energy. All the cells in your body need energy to function. When your thyroid isn’t working properly, it can impact your entire body.

Types of thyroid disease

The two main types of thyroid disease are hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). But they each have several conditions that can cause them.

Conditions that can cause hypothyroidism include:

* Hashimoto’s disease: This is a lifelong (chronic) autoimmune condition that can cause an underactive thyroid. It’s the most common cause of hypothyroidism in countries with widely available iodized salt and other iodine-enriched foods.
* Iodine deficiency: Your thyroid needs iodine to make thyroid hormone, so a lack of the mineral in your diet can lead to hypothyroidism. It’s the most common cause of hypothyroidism in countries that don’t have iodized salt widely available. It often causes goiter (enlarged thyroid).
* Congenital hypothyroidism: Sometimes, babies are born with a missing or underactive thyroid. “Congenital” means “present from birth.” About 1 in every 2,000 to 4,000 babies have congenital hypothyroidism.

Conditions that can cause hyperthyroidism include:

* Graves’ disease: This is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes an overactive thyroid. It’s the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
* Thyroid nodules: These are abnormal lumps on your thyroid gland. If the nodules are hyperfunctioning, they can lead to hyperthyroidism.
* Excessive iodine: When you have too much iodine in your body, your thyroid makes more thyroid hormones than you need. You may develop excessive iodine by taking certain medications, like amiodarone (a heart medication).

Conditions that can cause both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism at different times include:

* Thyroiditis: This is inflammation (swelling) of your thyroid gland. It typically causes temporary hyperthyroidism at first and then temporary or chronic hypothyroidism.
* Postpartum thyroiditis: This is a relatively rare condition that affects some birthing parents after pregnancy. An estimated 5% of people may experience this in the year after giving birth. It typically causes hyperthyroidism first, followed by hypothyroidism. It’s usually temporary.

How common is thyroid disease?

Thyroid disease is very common. About 20 million people in the United States have some type of thyroid condition.

Symptoms and Causes:

What are the symptoms of thyroid disease?

There are a variety of symptoms you could experience if you have thyroid disease. Unfortunately, symptoms of a thyroid condition are often very similar to the signs of other medical conditions and stages of life. This can make it difficult to know if your symptoms are related to a thyroid issue or something else entirely.

For the most part, the symptoms of thyroid disease can be divided into two groups — those related to having too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) and those related to having too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism). The symptoms are often “opposites” between the two conditions. This is because hyperthyroidism speeds up your metabolism, and hypothyroidism slows down your metabolism.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

* Slower-than-usual heart rate.
* Feeling tired (fatigue).
* Unexplained weight gain.
* Feeling sensitive to cold.
* Dry skin and dry and coarse hair.
* Depressed mood.
* Heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia).

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

* Faster-than-usual heart rate (tachycardia).
* Difficulty sleeping.
* Unexplained weight loss.
* Feeling sensitive to heat.
* Clammy or sweaty skin.
* Feeling anxious, irritable or nervous.
* Irregular menstrual cycles or a lack of periods (amenorrhea).

Both conditions can cause an enlarged thyroid (goiter), but it’s more common in hyperthyroidism.

What are the risk factors for thyroid disease?

You may be at a higher risk of developing a thyroid condition if you:

* Are female. Females are five to eight times more likely to have a thyroid condition.
* Have a family history of thyroid disease.
* Have Turner syndrome.
* Take a medication that’s high in iodine.
* Live in a country or area that doesn’t have iodized table salt, which can lead to iodine deficiency.
* Are older than 60, especially if you’re female.
* Have received radiation therapy to your head and/or neck.

Having an autoimmune disease also increases your risk, especially if you have:

* Pernicious anemia.
* Type 1 diabetes.
* Celiac disease.
* Addison’s disease (primary adrenal insufficiency).
* Lupus.
* Rheumatoid arthritis.
* Sjögren’s syndrome.

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Thyroid / Thyroid Disease

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