What Happens When Your Thyroid Doesn't Work Correctly?

 The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped structure situated in the neck, below the Adam's apple. It is a vital component of the endocrine system that helps in managing metabolism by producing thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone includes thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones affect heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels. As per the best thyroid specialist in Hyderabad at Magna Centre, ‘If the thyroid gland does not function properly, it leads to health issues’. If one is dealing with the same, here are the signs that one must watch for!

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Which are the major disorders of thyroid gland?

Thyroid disorders are categorized into hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs due to production of insufficient thyroid hormones whereas hypertension occurs due to excess production of thyroid hormones. It is necessary to consult with a renowned endocrinologist if a person experiences symptoms related to thyroid dysfunction. Endocrinologists specialize in hormonal disorders that can be diagnosed through blood tests that measure thyroid hormones and thyroid stimulating hormone. 

Initially, they record the person's symptoms, which include onset and frequency and any change over time, and discuss medical history. The best endocrinologist in Hyderabad at Magna Centre plans the potential treatment based on the diagnosis by considering benefits, risks, and side effects. Certain treatments are hormone replacement therapy and medication. It is advised to follow the instructions recommended by the endocrinologist to manage this condition effectively. Consultation with an endocrinologist can provide personalized care and guidance. 

Here are the conditions where the thyroid gland is affected:

Hypothyroidism 

Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder where the thyroid gland produces insufficient amounts of hormones, leading to a slowdown in the metabolic processes. These hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which help in regulating the body's metabolism. These cause autoimmune disorders; iodine deficiency results in fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, cold intolerance, and depression. 

a. Causes of hypothyroidism: Autoimmune condition is the main cause of hypothyroidism. Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis that targets and damages the thyroid gland mistakenly result in impairing the production of hormones. Other causes are iodine deficiency, thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, medication and congenital issues. Iodine deficiency refers to the lack of iodine in the diet. Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones and deficiency in iodine causes hypothyroidism. Removal of the thyroid gland due to chronic conditions like cancer or nodules and treatment of cancer can damage the gland, leading to hypothyroidism. Intake of medicine like lithium or amiodarone affects thyroid function. Congenital is a condition where a baby is born with an underactive thyroid gland or no gland. 

b. Hypothyroidism Symptoms: Symptoms of hypothyroidism develop slowly. Certain symptoms are persistent fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, skin becoming rough and hair becoming dry and brittle, constipation or infrequent bowel movements, stiffness in muscles and joints, depression and difficulty to remember. It is necessary to recognize these symptoms early and consult with an endocrinologist and prevent them from further complications.

c. Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypothyroidism: Endocrinologists diagnose the problem through blood tests that measure thyroid stimulating hormone. Thyroid antibody tests, free T4 and free T3 tests are used to determine thyroid hormones. It can be treated by hormone replacement therapy or medication such as levothyroxine. A synthetic form of T4 helps to regulate thyroid hormones. Change in the lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise also helps in managing thyroid issues. 

Hyperthyroidism 

Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, leading to an accelerating metabolic rate. It is caused by autoimmune disorders like Graves' disease, thyroiditis or nodular goiter. Weight loss, rapid heart beat, heat intolerance, nervousness are the common symptoms that can be treated by TSH. It is essential to manage hyperthyroidism and ensure health. 

a. Causes of hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is commonly caused by autoimmune disorders like Graves' disease where the immune system targets the thyroid gland to produce excessive hormones. Other causes are toxic nodular goiter, thyroiditis, excessive iodine intake, medications and congenital conditions. Toxic nodular goiter is the enlargement of the nodules and produces amounts of thyroid hormones. Thyroiditis is due to viral infection, whereas excess amounts of iodine in the diet also causes hyperthyroidism.

b. Hyperthyroidism Symptoms: Certain symptoms that indicate hyperthyroidism are weight loss due to accelerated metabolism, rapid heart beat, increased sensitivity to heat and sweating, shaking of hands or fingers, nervousness, fatigue, diarrhea. Heart problems like atrial fibrillation in severe cases are the symptoms that require immediate medical treatment. 

c. Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyperthyroidism: Thyroid stimulating hormone that measures the thyroid hormones through blood tests, freeT4 and freeT3 tests where high levels of these hormones are a sign of hyperthyroidism, thyroid antibody to identify Graves' autoimmune disease and thyroid scan are the most common tests. It can be treated by antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, surgery where the thyroid gland is partially or completely removed and beta-blockers that regulate the rapid heartbeat and tremors. A healthy lifestyle also plays an important role in managing hyperthyroidism.


Thyroid Nodules and Cancer 

Thyroid nodules are the lumps that form within the thyroid gland. Nodules are found in the neck, causing difficulties in swallowing and voice change. They are mostly benign but in some cases it becomes cancerous due to excess production of thyroid hormones. It can be diagnosed by CT scans or ultrasound and biopsy. It can be treated by surgery and radioactive iodine therapy. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is essential after surgery.
Thyroid is one of the major body organs and its treatment must be done by an expert thyroid specialist in Hyderabad to ensure its well being and effective functioning. To get more details visit now at Magna Centre to resolve all your thyroid and hormonal issues!

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