Thyroid Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Dr.Navneet Gill, 2 mins read

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. Its job is to regulate various bodily functions, such as energy production, metabolism, and hormone balance.

A problem with this organ can lead to thyroid disorders, which have become very common these days. These disorders include an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

In this guide, we will take a look into these disorders and know their causes, diagnosis and treatment. So, you get aware and make informed decisions at the right time.

Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid gland produces two hormones. One is triiodothyronine (T-3) and another is thyroxine (T-4). These hormones aid in the rate of use of carbohydrate and fat in the body. They also have an impact on heart rate, body temperature and protein production.

When the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormones, it is called hyperthyroidism. This speeds up the metabolism of the body, leading to symptoms like weight loss, rapid/irregular heartbeat, increased hunger, tremor, sweating, muscle weakness, change in bowel movement and menstrual cycle, sleeping problems, nervousness and heat intolerance.

Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormones than needed, which slows down the metabolism.

This results in symptoms like fatigue, constipation, weight gain, dry skin, puffy face, hoarse voice, muscle weakness, thinning hair, memory problems, depression, and cold intolerance.

Causes
Thyroid disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Autoimmune diseases (such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease)
• Iodine deficiency
• Genetic factors
• Overactive thyroid nodules
• Certain medications
• Radiation therapy
• Thyroid surgery

Sometimes stress, pregnancy or other underlying health conditions can also lead to thyroid disorders.

Diagnosis
Doctors usually advise a combination of tests, including:

• Medical history and physical exams
• Blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels
• Imaging tests such as ultrasound or radioactive iodine scans

Treatment
The treatment can vary based on the severity of the disorder and overall condition of the patient. Initially, doctors recommend medications to regulate hormone levels. When it doesn’t work, doctor’s can suggest for a radioactive iodine therapy or, rarely, surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.

Apart from medical treatment, lifestyle changes can also help manage thyroid disorders. Include a balanced diet rich in nutrients like iodine and selenium, exercise regularly, manage daily stress, avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. Also, regularly follow-up and monitor with a doctor to manage this condition promptly.