Thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It is a part of the endocrine system, which is responsible for producing hormones that help to regulate the body’s metabolism and growth. Thyroid hormones play important roles in the body including regulating the body’s temperature, metabolism, heart rate, and muscle strength.
The thyroid gland is divided into two lobes, located on either side of the trachea. It is made up of many cells called follicles, which produce and secrete two thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones are essential for the body’s normal functioning, as they regulate metabolism and body temperature. The amount of these hormones produced by the thyroid is controlled by another hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is produced by the pituitary gland located in the brain.
Thyroid disorders are fairly common and can cause a wide range of symptoms. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, resulting in a slow metabolism, fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, and depression. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid produces too much hormone, leading to weight loss, an increased heart rate, nervousness, and other symptoms.
In some cases, thyroid disorders can be managed through lifestyle changes and/or medication. More serious cases may require surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. It is important to speak to your doctor if you experience symptoms that may be related to a thyroid disorder. Diagnosing and treating thyroid disorders early can help to minimize the risk of long-term complications.
Symptoms of Thyroid
There are several symptoms associated with hypothyroidism which can be divided into physical and mental symptoms.
Physical symptoms
The physical symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, thinning hair, constipation, and muscle cramps. Fatigue is a common symptom of hypothyroidism and can be accompanied by difficulty sleeping or waking up feeling exhausted.
Weight gain is also common, as the body’s metabolism slows down and it takes longer for the body to break down and use food for energy. People with hypothyroidism may also feel colder than usual, even in mild temperatures, as the body is not able to regulate its temperature as well.
Dry skin and thinning hair are also common physical symptoms of hypothyroidism. Dry skin is caused by the lack of hormones produced by the thyroid, while thinning hair can be a sign of a lack of the hormone thyroxine. Constipation and muscle cramps may also be experienced as the body’s metabolism slows down.
Mental symptoms
Mental symptoms of hypothyroidism include depression, difficulty concentrating, and decreased sex drive. People with hypothyroidism may feel depressed or have difficulty concentrating due to a lack of hormones produced by the thyroid. They may also have a decreased sex drive due to hormonal imbalances.
If any of the above symptoms are experienced, it is important to see a doctor to determine if hypothyroidism is the cause. The doctor will do a physical exam and order blood tests to check the levels of hormones produced by the thyroid. If hypothyroidism is diagnosed, the doctor may prescribe medications to bring the hormones back to a normal range. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, getting regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet may also be recommended to help relieve symptoms and restore the body’s normal balance of hormones.
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include unexplained weight loss, racing heart, nervousness or irritability, trembling hands, frequent bowel movements, heat intolerance, fatigue, insomnia, and thinning hair.
Weight Loss: One of the most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism is unexplained weight loss. This is usually due to an increased metabolic rate in the body as a result of excess thyroxine production. It is important to note that weight loss can also be caused by other factors, so it is important to seek medical attention if it occurs.
Racing Heart: Hyperthyroidism can also cause an abnormally fast heart rate, known as tachycardia. This is caused by the increased production of thyroxine, which causes the heart to beat faster. This can cause discomfort, fatigue, or difficulty breathing.
Nervousness or Irritability: Hyperthyroidism can cause irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms are often caused by an overactive nervous system as a result of increased production of thyroxine.
Trembling Hands: People with hyperthyroidism may experience trembling or shaky hands. This is usually caused by an increased production of thyroxine, which affects the nervous system and can cause the hands to shake.
Frequent Bowel Movements: Hyperthyroidism can also cause frequent bowel movements as a result of increased production of thyroxine. This can be uncomfortable and cause abdominal pain or cramping.
Heat Intolerance: People with hyperthyroidism may find that they become intolerant to heat. This is because the excess thyroxine can cause the body to become overheated, leading to discomfort.
Fatigue: People with hyperthyroidism may experience fatigue, especially in the morning. This is because the overactive thyroid can make it difficult for the body to produce enough energy to meet its needs.
Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping or trouble staying asleep is another symptom of hyperthyroidism. This can be caused by an increased metabolic rate as a result of the excess thyroxine production.
Thinning Hair: Hyperthyroidism can also cause a person’s hair to become thin or fall out. This is usually due to an increased metabolic rate, which can cause rapid hair loss.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Hyperthyroidism is a serious condition that can have serious health consequences if left untreated. Your doctor will be able to provide a diagnosis, as well as treatment options to help manage your symptoms.
Diagnosis of Thyroid
Thyroid disorders are diagnosed using a combination of physical exams, laboratory tests, and imaging tests.
First, the doctor performs a physical exam to check for any visible signs of the disorder. During the physical exam, the doctor will look for any swelling in your neck, feel for any lumps, and check for any signs of a goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland.
The doctor will also check your pulse and blood pressure to ensure it is within normal ranges. Additionally, they may also take a sample of your blood to do a laboratory test. This test will measure the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood. If the TSH level is too high, it could indicate an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). On the other hand, if the TSH level is too low, it could indicate an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
In addition to the physical exam and laboratory tests, the doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to get a better look at the size and shape of the thyroid gland. These tests can help the doctor determine if the thyroid is enlarged or if there are any tumors present.
Once the doctor has the results of the physical exam, laboratory tests, and imaging tests, they can make a diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.