All You Need to Know about Thyroid Diseases



The thyroid gland is located near the front of the neck and produces hormones that control important functions in the body. To check the functioning of the thyroid gland, a TSH test is prescribed by a medical practitioner. When the TSH is in the normal range, then the chances are that the person does not have a disease related to the thyroid gland. 

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland present at the front of the neck. The main function of the thyroid gland is to produce essential hormones that play a vital role in the functioning of the body. Thyroid disease is a medical condition where a person’s thyroid gland produces too much or not enough hormones, leading to several complications. A TSH blood test can detect the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Following are the types, causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of thyroid disease:

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Common Types of Thyroid Diseases or Problems 

  1. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive and produces more than enough hormones. When this happens, the body’s metabolism is accelerated. The common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are unexplained weight loss, an irregular heartbeat, hand tremors, etc.

  1. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, is a thyroid-related disease where the thyroid gland does not make enough hormones. This condition slows down the metabolism of the body. Its common symptoms are unexplained weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, and more.

  1. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, also called chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease that can occur at any age but is most commonly found in middle-aged women. This disorder is a defence mechanism of the immune system that can attack and destroy the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can cause fatigue, weight gain, constipation, etc. 

  1. Goitre

Goitre is a thyroid-related disease that causes noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland. The main cause of goitre is iodine deficiency in the diet.  

Symptoms

A person experiences a variety of symptoms when the thyroid gland produces excessive or very little hormones. The common symptoms may include the following: 

  • Weight gain or loss

  • Enlarged thyroid gland

  • Muscle weakness

  • Mood swings

  • Irregular menstrual cycle

  • Fatigue

  • Hoarse voice

  • Intolerance to hot or cold temperatures

  • Trouble sleeping  

Diagnosis

Sometimes, diagnosing thyroid diseases can be tricky as they can be easily confused with other hormonal diseases. There are several tests that help determine if an individual has a thyroid-related issue or not. These tests may include blood tests, physical exams, and imaging tests.

  • Blood Tests

Blood tests are one of the best ways to diagnose thyroid disease. TSH test, among others, is a blood test that determines how well the thyroid gland is working and if the person has hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. If the person’s TSH level is in the normal range, it means they do not have an overactive or underactive thyroid.

  • Physical Examination

To check the thyroid, the easiest type of procedure is a physical examination. In this, the doctor checks the neck to see if there is growth or enlargement of the thyroid gland.

  • Image Testing

The imaging test that can detect thyroid-related issues is an ultrasound. It can be used to check the size and number of nodules present in the thyroid gland.  

It is best to get tested to know if a person has a thyroid disease as it is a life-long medical condition that can be managed with due diligence. Consulting a reliable healthcare provider is the best way to get the best treatment.