Understanding Thyroid: Its Types, Symptoms and Diagnosis

Posted by Aisha Kapoor on January 27th, 2020

People often stay tired and have weight issues, and blame their sedentary lifestyle for it, which could be one of the reasons. There are times when lifestyle alone is not the reason behind abnormal weight fluctuations. In such cases, it is important to undergo a thorough body checkup as they might have thyroid disorders. This article helps them understand what thyroid and thyroid disorders are.

What is thyroid gland and what are its functions?

Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front part of the throat. It sits below the voice box. Thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland and produces the hormones which control the functioning of different organs of the body. It regulates almost everything in the body including:

•  Menstrual Cycle
•  Functioning of Heart
•  Digestion
•  Mood Variations
•  Working of the Brain
•  Bone Density

Thyroid gland dysfunction leads to either too much production of Thyroid hormone or too little. This is discussed in the next segment of this article.

What are the two common types of thyroid disorders?

1.  Hypothyroidism

It is a kind of thyroid disorder in which the thyroid gland produces insufficient amount of thyroid hormone. Abnormal working of thyroid gland, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus usually causes hypothyroidism. Its major symptoms are:

•  Dry and pale skin
•  Breakage of Hair
•  Hair Loss
•  Unusual Weight Gain
•  Tiredness and Weakness
•  Feeling of Cold
•  Heavy and Frequent Periods in Women
•  Irritation and Depression
•  Constipation
•  Lack of Concentration

2.  Hyperthyroidism

It is a thyroid disorder in which the thyroid gland secretes excessive amount of thyroid hormones. Graves’ diseases are the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Some other factors that lead to the occurrence of hyperthyroidism are excessive consumption of iodine and hot nodules (nodules producing excessive amount of thyroid hormones). Some of the major symptoms are:

•  Excessive sweating
•  Unusual weight loss
•  Feeling flashes
•  Increased heart rate
•  Scanty and missing periods in women
•  Hair thinning
•  Possible rise in blood sugar levels
•  Itching and rashes on skin
•  Fatigue
•  Infertility
•  Tremors

What are some other conditions related to thyroid gland?

1.  Goiter

Goiter is an inflammation of thyroid gland. Goiter can be symptom of iodine deficiency or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. It cannot be termed as a disease as it is, several times, harmless. But it can lead to occurrence of Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

2.  Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid Nodules are abnormal masses in the thyroid gland. A nodule might lead to excessive secretion of thyroid hormone, a condition that is associated with hyperthyroidism.

3.  Graves’ Disease

It is an autoimmune disease in which thyroid secretes thyroid hormone in excessive amount. This causes hyperthyroidism.

What are the tests that can be done to diagnose thyroid disorder?

Some of the thyroid tests are:

1. Thyroid Ultrasound - An ultrasound machines is used to detect the swelling of the gland or any abnormal growth within the gland.
2. Thyroid Scan - In this test, images of the thyroid gland are taken. To get the right result, patient is asked swallow radioactive iodine.
3. TSH test - It is a blood test. It is done to evaluate the levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.
4. T4 and T3 - These are blood tests and are mainly used to detect hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Thyroid Disorders can be treated. If they are detected on time, right medications can help in mitigating their effects and eventually get rid of them.