Thyroid: An Overview of the Thyroid Gland and its Hormones

The thyroid is a small butterfly-structured gland inside the neck, located in front of the
trachea( windpipe) and below the larynx( voice box). It produces two thyroid hormones,
triiodothyronine( T3) and thyroxine( T4) that travel through the blood to all tissues of the
body. Thyroid hormones regulate how the body breaks down food and either uses that
energy incontinently or stores it for the future. In other words, thyroid hormones
regulate the body’s metabolism as well as the consumption of oxygen and the product of
heat. Pituitary glands control how well the thyroid works by producing thyroid-stimulating hormone( TSH).
The bloodstream carries TSH to the thyroid gland to produce further thyroid hormones, as demanded.

Thyroid

Thyroid

HYPOTHYROIDISM

Too little thyroid hormone from an underactive thyroid gland is called hypothyroidism. In
hypothyroidism, the body’s metabolism is broken. Several causes for this condition live,
the utmost of which affect the thyroid gland directly, injuring its capability to make enough
hormone. Further infrequently, there may be a pituitary gland excrescence, which blocks
the pituitary from producing TSH. Whether the problem is caused by the thyroid or by
the pituitary gland, the result is that the thyroid is producing too many hormones,
causing numerous physical and internal processes to come sluggish. The body consumes
lower oxygen and produces lower body heat.

SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include,

• Psychological: poor memory, lack of concentration, poor healing
• Pharynx: Hoarseness
• Heart: Slow pulse rate, pericardial effusion
• Muscular: Delayed reflex relaxation
• Extremities: Coldness, carpal tunnel syndrome
• General symptoms: Fatigue, feeling cold, weight gain with poor appetite, hair loss
• Lungs: Shortness of breath, pleural effusion
• Skin: Paresthesia, Myxedema
• Intestine: constipation, ascites
• Reproductive system: menorrhagia

CAUSES OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

Some common causes of hypothyroidism include,

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis( an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of
the thyroid gland).
• Thyroid hormone resistance.
• Other types of thyroiditis inflammation of the thyroid), similar to acute thyroiditis
and postpartum thyroiditis.

HYPERTHYROIDISM

Too important thyroid hormone from a hyperactive thyroid gland is called
hyperthyroidism. This hormone imbalance occurs in about 1 of all women, who get
hyperthyroidism more frequently than men. One of the most common forms of
hyperthyroidism is known as Graves’ disease. This autoimmune complaint tends to run
in families. The thyroid gland is producing too important hormone in hyperthyroidism,
the body develops an increased metabolic state, with numerous body systems
developing abnormal functions.

SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTHYROIDISM

In the case of mild conditions, there may not be apparent symptoms.
Symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism can include,

• Tremor
• Nervousness
• Fast heart rate
• Fatigue
• Intolerance for heat
• Increase in bowel movements
• Increased sweating
• Concentration problems
• Unintentional weight loss

CAUSES OF HYPERTHYROIDISM

Some of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism are:

• Graves’ disease,
• Toxic multinodular goiter,
• Thyroid nodules that overexpress thyroid hormone (known as “hot” nodules),
• Excessive iodine consumption.

THYROIDITIS

Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid. It occurs when the body’s vulnerable system
makes antibodies that attack the thyroid. Causes of thyroiditis include

• Autoimmune conditions like type I diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
• Genetics
• Viral or bacterial infection
• Certain types of drugs

TYPES OF THYROIDITIS

Two common types of thyroiditis are postpartum thyroiditis and Hashimoto’s disease.

Postpartum thyroiditis:

It is inflammation of the thyroid after giving birth and affects 10 of women. It frequently
goes undiagnosed because symptoms are important like the” baby blues” that may
follow the delivery. Women with postpartum thyroiditis may feel veritably tired and
temperamental.

Postpartum thyroiditis generally happens in two phases, though not everyone with the
the condition goes through both phases :

The first phase starts 1 to 4 months after giving birth and generally last 1 to 2 months
with signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, because the damaged thyroid leaks the thyroid
hormones out into the bloodstream.

The alternate phase starts about 4 to 8 months after delivery and lasts 6 to 12 months
with signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism because the thyroid has lost utmost of its
hormones or because the vulnerable attack is over and the thyroid may recover latterly.

Hashimoto’s disease:

Hashimoto’s is called chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. It can do at any age but is most
common in middle-aged women. The disease usually occurs when the body’s vulnerable
system inaptly attacks and sluggishly destroys the thyroid gland and its capability to
produce hormones.

Some people with mild cases of Hashimoto’s disease may have no egregious symptoms.
The complaint can remain stable for a time, and symptoms are frequently subtle and also
not specific, which means they mimic symptoms of numerous other conditions.

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Constipation
• Mild weight gain
• Dry skin
• Dry, lacing hair,
• Pale, fluffy face, Heavy and irregular period,
• Intolerance of cold
• Enlarged thyroid, or goiter

Hashimoto’s disease diagnosis

Testing the position of TSH is frequently the first step when screening for any type of
thyroid disease. It includes blood tests to check for increased situations of TSH as well as
low situations of thyroid hormone( T3 or T4) if passing some of the below symptoms. He
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease, so the blood test shows abnormal
antibodies that might be attacking the thyroid.

Hashimoto’s disease treatment

There’s no given cure for Hashimoto’s disease. The hormone-replacing drug is frequently
used to raise thyroid hormone situations or lower TSH situations. It can also help relieve
the symptoms of the disease. Surgery is necessary to remove part or all of the thyroid
gland in rare advanced cases of Hashimoto’s. The disease is generally detected at an
early stage and remains stable for time because it progresses sluggishly.

Is thyroid a serious disease?

Thyroid disease can range from mild to severe, depending on the specific condition. Some forms of thyroid disease may not be serious or require treatment, while others can have significant impacts on overall health and quality of life. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to properly diagnose and manage any thyroid-related concerns.

What is the main cause of thyroid disease?

Thyroid disease can have various causes, depending on the specific condition. In some cases, thyroid disease is caused by an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Other potential causes include genetic factors, certain medications or treatments, radiation exposure, iodine deficiency or excess, and in rare cases, thyroid cancer. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of any thyroid-related concerns.

What does the thyroid do to a person?

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating many important bodily functions. It produces hormones that help to control metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, energy levels, and more. When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it can lead to a range of symptoms depending on the specific condition. For example, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety, while an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause fatigue, weight gain, and depression. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to properly diagnose and manage any thyroid-related concerns to help maintain overall health and well-being.

What are the symptoms of thyroid?

The symptoms of thyroid disease can vary depending on whether the thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism).

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include:

  • Weight loss
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Anxiety or irritability
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Muscle weakness or trembling
  • Increased sweating
  • Changes in menstrual patterns
  • Increased sensitivity to heat

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Weight gain
  • Depression or feeling down
  • Constipation
  • Dry skin and hair
  • Sensitivity to cold
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Slow heart rate

Thyroid test price

The cost of a thyroid test can vary depending on factors such as the specific type of test and the location where it is performed. In general, a basic thyroid function test (TSH test) can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 USD. However, additional testing such as a free T4 or T3 test can increase the overall cost. The cost may also vary depending on whether the test is covered by health insurance. It’s important to check with your healthcare provider and/or insurance provider to determine the cost of a thyroid test for your specific situation.

 

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