It is so common these days that we simply ask people – “Do you have thyroid?” or “Are you taking thyroid medicine?” and if they are then they respond with a ‘YES’. But let me tell you it’s not that simple as Thyroid doesn’t only means Hypothyroidism but it has a lot of variants attached to it.
What is Thyroid Gland?
The thyroid gland, is an endocrine gland in the neck consisting of two connected lobes (it is also called the butterfly gland because of it lobbed appearance).
The lower two thirds of the lobes are connected by a thin band of tissue called the
thyroid isthmus (or the thyroid bridge). The thyroid is located at the front of the neck.
Thyroid Hormones
The thyroid gland uses iodine from food to make two thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It also stores these thyroid hormones and releases them as they are needed. The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, which are located in the brain, help control the thyroid gland.
Another important hormone to note here is TSH which stands for thyroid stimulating hormone. This is released by the pituitary gland which helps the Thyroid gland in producing T3 and T4 hormones.
All these three hormones work in sync with each other and help us maintain body metabolism.
Thyroid Disorders
When we talk of thyroid glad disorders it is mainly related to the quantity of these three hormones in which they are produced – weather scanty or over production.
The different level of T3, T4 and TSH hormones lead to conditions like
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Goitre (Toxic & Non-Toxic)
- Thyroid Storm
- Hashimoto Thyroiditis
Here our major focus will be on Hypo and Hyper thyroidism.
Hypothyroidism
When pituitary gland activity increases it causes increase in TSH levels and reduces T4 and T3 levels. This condition is called Hypothyroidism. Sometimes only TSH is high but T4 and T3 are normal. This condition is called Subclinical Hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is the most common condition and happens more commonly to females. It is treated clinically based on blood test reports and physical examination.
Symptoms – Common symptoms are usually –
- Fatigue.
- Increased sensitivity to cold.
- Constipation.
- Dry skin.
- Weight gain.
- Puffy face.
- Hoarseness.
- Muscle weakness.
Treatment – Depending upon the level of TSH in blood test reports your doctor will prescribe you Thyroxine (T3) supplement which will balance the excess of TSH hormone in your system. It is to be taken daily in the morning empty stomach.
Usually thyroid medication is for lifetime but a good control can be achieved with regular checkup and blood tests. When someone is newly diagnoses with Hypothyroidism then after starting medicine repeat blood test after 1 month then 3 months and then every 6 months.
This ensures good control and balance in the body.
Hyperthyroidism
