Thyroid Talk: Insight From Your Thyroid Doctor About Your Thyroid Health
Thyroid-related problems are developed when the thyroid gland produces excessive or insufficient hormones. What is a thyroid gland? It is a small, butterfly-shaped organ in the neck. Its function is to secrete hormones that control metabolism. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, while hypothyroidism occurs when it produces insufficient hormone. This leads to certain health concerns in the body, shares a thyroid doctor in Hyderabad, at Magna Centre.
It is important to be aware of such concerns and take the help of an endocrinologist for proper management. Thyroid conditions are an extremely common problem. Since many thyroid disease symptoms are nonspecific, a thorough history and physical examination are essential for avoiding unnecessary testing. Read on to learn more about this health concern with the best endocrinologist in Hyderabad at Magna Centre.
What is thyroid disease?
Thyroid disorders are conditions affecting the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. The thyroid gland secretes hormones that control the metabolism, growth, and development of the body. When the thyroid gland produces excessive or insufficient amounts of these hormones, it can cause several health issues.
What causes thyroid conditions?
Causes of thyroid disorders include:
- Graves' disease: An autoimmune disease that causes an overactive thyroid
- Toxic adenomas: Nodules that grow in the thyroid and release hormones can be produced in goitre
- Subacute thyroiditis: When the thyroid becomes inflamed and 'leaks' extra hormones; this causes temporary high levels of hormones that can continue for up to a few months
- Pituitary gland issues or malignant tumours in the thyroid gland.
What are the symptoms of thyroid disease?
The symptoms of thyroid conditions vary according to the type of disorder. Some common symptoms are:
- Fatigue
- Weight changes.
- Hair loss
- Muscle weakness.
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety or depression.
Thyroid conditions are often diagnosed through a physical examination, blood tests to evaluate thyroid hormone levels and imaging tests such as an ultrasound or a thyroid scan. In certain cases, a biopsy may be required to evaluate if a thyroid nodule is malignant. Thyroid diseases can be treated with medications, surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy. You can learn more about them with the best thyroid doctor in Hyderabad at Magna Centre.
Why see a thyroid doctor?
Thyroid conditions include hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, as well as structural diseases such as goitres, nodules, and malignancy.
- Hypothyroidism is the most prevalent thyroid function condition, with rates ranging from 0.5% to 5% for overt and subclinical cases.
- Hyperthyroidism (low TSH, high free T4/T3) is less prevalent than hypothyroidism, with a prevalence of between 0.5% and 1.0%.
One must see a thyroid doctor in Hyderabad if they experience the following symptoms:
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism:
- Tiredness
- Weight gain
- Cold sensitivity
- Joint pain
- Constipation
- Menstrual bleeding
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Dry skin and hair
- Physical signs include hard skin and hair, bradycardia, and goitre, but these may not be present in mild hypothyroidism
- Many of the signs and symptoms are not specific to hypothyroidism; approximately 20%-25% of people with normal TSH levels report one or more of these symptoms. A diagnosis of hypothyroidism requires several laboratory tests.
Types of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can be classified as overt, subclinical, or secondary (central).
1.Overt hypothyroidism (high TSH, low free T4) is typically symptomatic and easily diagnosed; however, there are some exceptions.
2.Subclinical hypothyroidism (higher levels of TSH, normal free T4) is more common than overt hypothyroidism, although it is less recognised clinically since many individuals have unclear symptoms.
3.Secondary (or central) hypothyroidism: It is caused by the pituitary gland or hypothalamic abnormalities and is detected with low TSH levels and a disproportionately low concentration of T4. Secondary hypothyroidism is rare, but when an underlying cause is suspected (for example, a known pituitary tumour or a head injury), T4 as well as TSH must be analysed, as TSH may be within the normal range.
Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism:
- Weight loss
- Heat intolerance
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Anxiety
- Diarrhoea
- Menstrual irregularities
- Tremors
- Proximal muscle weakness
- Physical symptoms include tremors, tachycardia, ophthalmopathy (if caused by Graves disease), goitre, and difficulty rising from a bending position
- Some patients (particularly in older age groups) might be diagnosed with 'apathetic hyperthyroidism' and lack several of the conventional features
Types of hyperthyroidism
1.Overt hyperthyroidism can be detected by elevated free T4 and T3, as well as a low TSH level. The most common cause is Graves’ disease, also known as toxic nodular goitre.
2.Subclinical hyperthyroidism can be diagnosed by suppressed TSH and normal free T3/T4 levels in people with or without hyperthyroidism. Mild subclinical hyperthyroidism (with low but detectable TSH levels) may be linked to autonomous thyroid nodules, but it can also occur in healthy people. Approximately 5% of people progress from subclinical to overt dysfunction each year. Because of the variety of clinical presentations of hyperthyroidism, laboratory testing is recommended at a low level of suspicion.
When is the right time to visit an endocrinologist about your thyroid condition?
While regular blood profile testing is always recommended, one should consult a thyroid doctor if they are experiencing any thyroid problems. These may include significant differences in their energy levels, sensitivity to cold or hot conditions, weight fluctuations, gastrointestinal changes, and irregular menstruation periods.
However, thyroid disorders can cause non-specific symptoms such as sleep issues, irritability, and so on. In such cases, one must be proactive and consult an endocrinologist rather than dismissing them as generic concerns.
Remember that thyroid issues can be well controlled if detected early. So, keep track of your body's changes and visit the best thyroid doctor in Hyderabad at Magna Centre as soon as you discover any thyroid problems.
The thyroid can be managed with appropriate treatment. Treatment for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can be provided orally to regulate excessive hormone release, depending on the specific case. This reduces the symptoms of thyroid problems in the body but does not cure them completely.
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