Thyroid Diseases: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Currently, the most common medical condition that people are dealing with is thyroiditis, also known as thyroidism. The thyroid is like a small butterfly at the base of your neck, and it is responsible for your metabolism. Heart rate, digestion, energy levels, mood, mood, and hormone production are controlled by this gland. Thyroids have underactive hypothyroidism and overactive hyperthyroidism.

This is a comprehensive guide to thyroid disease, from the most common symptoms to the most recent diagnostic and treatment tools.

Types of Thyroid Disease

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are referred to as two types of thyroid diseases. They are distinct and can come with various conditions leading to the two conditions.

Conditions that can cause hypothyroidism include:

• Hashimoto’s disease: 

Hashimoto’s disease is among chronic autoimmune diseases that may cause the thyroid gland to work improperly. It is the leading cause of hypothyroidism in nations where salt iodization and other strategies of iodine enhancement are still relevant.

• Iodine deficiency

Iodine is important to make thyroid hormone and deficiency of iodized salt and other minerals in your diet can lead to hypothyroidism. The deficiency of these minerals can cause hypothyroidism. It can cause goiter (enlarged thyroid).

• Congenital hypothyroidism

There are cases when babies are born with a missing or underactive thyroid. “Congenital” means “present from birth”.

Conditions that can cause hyperthyroidism include

• Graves’ disease

This is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes an overactive thyroid. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is seen as a grave disease.

• Thyroid nodules

There are some abnormal lumps found on your thyroid gland. If the nodules are hyperfunctioning, they can lead to hyperthyroidism. 

• Excessive iodine

Too much iodine in the body can cause the body to produce the thyroid hormones that a body needs.

Criteria that can hit both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism at different times.

• Thyroiditis

This causes swelling of your thyroid gland. Firstly, it causes hyperthyroidism and then chronic hypothyroidism. 

• Postpartum thyroiditis

This is a condition that affects birthing parents after pregnancy. An estimated 5% of people may experience this the year after giving birth. Firstly, hyperthyroidism is caused and followed by hypothyroidism. 

How common is thyroid disease?

According to various studies on thyroid disease disorder, about 42 million people in India suffer from it. The rate of hyperthyroidism in India is 11%, whereas in the Western population, it is 2%–4.6%. Compared to coastal states, Inland states have a higher prevalence because of iodine deficiency. 

What are the symptoms of thyroid disease?

There are no specific symptoms, but there are a variety of symptoms you could experience if you have this disease. Unfortunately, symptoms of thyroid conditions are often very similar to the signs of other medical conditions and stages of life. This can make it difficult to know if the symptoms are related to thyroid.

There are two groups of symptoms in thyroid disease – those related to having too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism)  and those related to having too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism). These symptoms are opposite of each other because hyperthyroidism speeds up your metabolism, and hypothyroidism slows down your metabolism. 

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

• Slower than usual heart rate
• Feeling tired
• 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
• 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).

Risk factors

There is a higher risk of thyroid disease if you: 

• Are Assigned female at birth (AFAB). People having AFAB are five to eight times more likely to have thyroid conditions than people assigned male at birth (AMAB).
• Those who have a genetic history of thyroid disease.
• Have Turner syndrome.

• Consumption of medication that is high in iodine.
• LivingLiving in a country or area lacking iodized table salt can lead to iodine deficiency. 
• 60+ age of people, if you are AFAB
• Have 16 gone through radiation therapy to your head and neck

How is thyroid disease diagnosed?

In the early stage of thyroid disease, the symptoms are so general that it can be challenging to determine if you are experiencing thyroid problems or something else. To get an accurate diagnosis, healthcare providers ask you to give blood samples to measure the levels of thyroid and thyroid-stimulating hormones.

There are other diagnostic tools that can be used.

• Radioactive iodine uptake test: During this test, you drink a radioactive iodine liquid or take capsules to detect how much of the substance collects in the thyroid.

• Thyroid scan: The radioactive iodine used in the uptake test is also used for a thyroid scan. The scan determines how much or how little the thyroid absorbs the substance.

• Thyroid ultrasound: If thyroid nodules are suspected, then this test is used. The ultrasound can provide a better idea, and you can get a bigger picture through this.

• Thyroid fine needle biopsy: To look for abnormal cells in the thyroid, a fine needle is inserted into numbed areas of the neck and into the thyroid to collect a sample.

Can you check your thyroid yourself?

Although it is impossible to check your thyroid for excess hormone production at home, you can perform an exam on yourself to see if any abnormal neck fatness can cause a problem.

• Thyroid Disease Treatment 

There are treatments available for people with thyroid disease. Therapies include medications and natural remedies. Healthcare providers will want to alleviate the symptoms while restoring the thyroid hormone levels. If growth and nodules are seen, reducing their size will also be a part of the treatment plan. 

• Is thyroid disease a serious illness?

Some body parts can be affected by thyroid disease. If you consistently follow the treatment plan to manage your health then it won’t be that serious. 

Some of the complications from untreated or undertreated hyperthyroidism include:

• Atrial fibrillation
• Stroke 
• Congestive heart failure 
• Osteoporosis

Conclusion 

Thyroid disorders are common concerns that can be well and effectively managed with proper diagnosis and treatment. You can take control of your thyroid health by understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options.