HEALTH CARE-THYROID DISEASES-SYMPTOMS TREATMENT AND PREVENTION CARE

HEALTH CARE-THYROID DISEASES-SYMPTOMS TREATMENT AND PREVENTION CARE 

Most common disorders of the thyroid gland, we know are Hypothyroidism which is caused due to low levels of thyroid hormones in our blood, while the higher levels of thyroid hormones in the blood called as Hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid is a small glandular structure at the base of the neck which is just like in the shape of a butterfly that secretes thyroid hormones.  Hormones of the thyroid control majority of the body’s functions like the pace of heart beats, burning of calories etc.,

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Women are more likely to face thyroid problems, especially after pregnancy and menopause. As per the medical reports, one in every eight women is suffering from thyroid problems at least once in her lifetime.
The common thyroid disorders, usually seen in women include:
 

1.HYPOTHROIDISM:
When the thyroid gland is not producing enough levels of the thyroid hormones, that condition is called as Hypothyroidism , which is an underactive thyroid condition. Hypothyroidism leads to slowing of the body’s metabolic functions.
2.THYROID NODULES:
Often noncancerous nodules are formed in the thyroid causing hyperthyroidism.
3.GOITRE:
Enlargement of the thyroid or a part of it is called as goitre.
4.THROIDITIS:
Inflammation of the thyroid occurs when the immune system of the body starts producing antibodies against the thyroid resulting in thyroiditis.
5.THYROID CANCER:
Thyroid tumours are the common neoplasms of the endocrine system.
 

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS:

CAUSES OF HYPOTHYROIDISM:
 

Treatment for hyperthyroidism,   Hashimoto’s disease where the immune system of the body attacks the thyroid,  Cancer treatments involving radiation,  Removal of thyroid leads to Hypothyroidism.
 

CAUSES OF HYPERTHYROIDISM:

 
Hyperthyroidism is often caused by Grave’s diseases, another disorder linked to the immune system.
 

CAUSES OF THYROIDITIS:

Autoimmune disorders linked with rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes,   Bacterial or viral infections, Genetic causes, Certain medication are the main causes for thyroiditis.

CAUSES OF THYROID NODULES:
Incidences of thyroid nodules are much more in women than in men and the exact cause of nodules is still not known.
 

CAUSES OF GOITRE:
Goitre can be a symptom of another underlying disease of the thyroid and these diseases are  Graves’ disease,  Hashimoto’s disease, Deficiency of iodine, Thyroiditis,  Thyroid nodules and Thyroid cancer
 

CAUSES OF THYROID CANCER:
The exact causes for Thyroid cancer are still not known, however changes in the genetic makeup of the cells are known to result in cancers of the thyroid.
 

SYMPTOMS OF THYROID DISEASES IN WOMEN:
Thyroid symptoms in women may include heavy, irregular or light periods when the levels of thyroid hormones are less.  Periods can also stop for months leading to amenorrhea. If immune system has led to thyroid issues, menopause can result early. Ovulation is mainly affected and there can be problems in getting pregnant.
 

SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM:
Arise slowly over years, predominantly manifesting with the symptoms of slowing down of metabolism, which may include,  weight gain despite not eating more, weakness of muscles, feeling of tiredness,  slower heart rate, pain in the joints and muscles,  unusual bleeding during periods, feeling cold while others don’t  have  are some of the symptoms for Hyothyroidism.
 

SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTHYROIDISM:
Usually begin slowly, but over a period, a faster metabolism can cause symptoms like weight loss despite no changes in diet or more food intake, rapid heartbeats , anxiety or nervousness, sleeping disorders,  feeling hot when others don’t feel so, more bowel movements than normal,  lighter or fewer periods than usual, redness of eyes or bulging are the symptoms for Hyperthyroidism.

SYMPTOMS OF THYROIDITIS: 

Usually the postpartum thyroiditis becomes evident after 1-4 months after delivery as symptoms of hyperthyroidism, but sometimes silent thyroiditis can occur without any association with pregnancy.

SYMPTOMS OF GOITRE:  

Goitre will be evident by the swelling of the thyroid gland. The goitrous enlargement can be diffuse or nodular.
SYMPTOMS OF THYROID NODULES:  

One can sometimes feel a nodule in the thyroid gland which can overgrow causing breathing and eating problems.

DIAGNOSIS:

Physicians evaluate thyroid diseases by questioning about the symptoms, family history and health-related issues. Thyroid function tests are done to check how well the thyroid is functioning.

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by a blood test to check levels of Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and Thyroxin (T4).

Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed by measuring the levels of TSH, T3 and T4 thyroid hormones multiple times in a year. A radioactive iodine uptake test and radioactive thyroid scan may also be done to detect the cause of hyperthyroidism.

The physicians may ask for antithyroid antibody tests to diagnose Graves’ disease and autoimmune 

physical examination, ultrasound and other imaging procedures may be required to diagnose inflammation and nodules. A needle biopsy may need to be performed in case the nodules are suspected to be cancerous.

Radioiodine uptake test is also performed to detect thyroid diseases, which can detect various nodules that may be cancerous in nature.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION:

TREATMENT:  

Treatment of hypothyroidism involves providing optimal levels of thyroid hormone to the body via supplementary thyroid hormone preparations.

Hyperthyroidism treatment depends on the symptoms and its cause. It includes:

Medication for blocking the thyroid hormone production by way of antithyroid medicines.

Beta-blockers to neutralise the effect of thyroid hormones on the body.

Radioiodine may be used to kill the cells that produce thyroid hormones leading to permanent hypothyroidism.

Surgical removal of the thyroid gland.

Postpartum thyroiditis treatment depends on the symptoms and phase of the disease. Medication to slow down the heart rate is usually used in cases where hyperthyroidism becomes evident in the first phase.

Goitre treatment involves the use of medication to shrink the thyroid gland enlargement or surgery to remove parts of it.

Nodules of the thyroid are treated by the use of radioiodine or surgery. Thyroid cancer treatment involves surgical removal of the cancerous regions.  Post surgery, radioiodine treatment may be continued.

PREVENTION:

Thyroid diseases may not be prevented, but one may take steps to control it by:

1. Stopping smoking completely, which is the main cause for several serious health disorders.

2.Avoiding exposure to radiation of the neck

3.Undergoing screening if one has family history of thyroid disease

4.Certain foods and medications may interact with thyroid medication which needs to be discussed with the physician.

Though Thyroid gland is  very small but it functions are very much important as it controls metabolic activities. Therefore taking care of this tiny duct and,i.e., its health care is paramount.  As we know thyroid disorders may not be prevented completely, let us take these cares in order to control to the extent possible.