Thyroid regulates the pace of the body’s metabolism through the production of its hormones. Thyroid hormones serve as “fuel additive” to the cells and organs of the body. Lack of thyroid hormone leads to slow metabolism; overproduction of this hormone, on the other hand, leads to overstimulation of the body’s processes.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the condition where there is too little thyroid hormone due to lack of iodine or the thyroid cannot produce enough hormone or the thyroid is attacked by the body’s immune system. Symptoms include: weight gain, puffiness of face, fatigue, depression, dry skin, brittle nails and hair loss, goiter and hoarseness, increased sensitivity to cold, slowing heart rate or congestive heart failure, constipation, muscle pains and cramps, and heavy menstrual flow.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is the condition where there is too much thyroid hormone due to Graves' disease (an autoimmune defect), the presence of overactive nodules, or thyroiditis .Symptoms include: weight loss, hot flashes, nervousness, anxiety, fine brittle hair, increased sensitivity to heat, rapid heart rate, difficulty sleeping, frequent bowel movements, muscular weakness, and lighter menstrual flow. In the case of Graves' disease, bulging of the eyes may be observed.
Risk Factors
- gender
Approximately 80% of people with the disease are women.
- age
As people get older, there is greater risk of having the disease. It is recommended for women over 40 to have a thyroid function test.
- family history
There is higher risk for people who have family history of thyroid diseases.
- diet
A diet lacking in iodine poses a risk for hypothyroidism, although this risk has been lessened due to the introduction of iodized salt to combat the problem. Iodine is also present in seafoods and spinach; and in milk, eggs and bread.
The Diagnosis
Evaluation of thyroid function is done through blood tests of the following hormones:
- TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
This is the hormone released by the pituitary gland to signal the thyroid to produce thyroid hormone T4. Low TSH indicates hyperthyroidism and high TSH indicates hypothyroidism.
- T4 (Thyroxine)
This is the hormone released by the thyroid into the bloodstream, some of which is later converted to T3 which is usable in the body. T4 is low in hypothyroidism and is usually increased in hyperthyroidism.
- T3 (Triiodothyronine)
This is the usable form of thyroid hormone. It comes from the removal of one iodine atom from T4 in the tissues outside the thyroid. Some T3 are also produced by the thyroid. T3 is increased in hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid Neck Check
An enlarged thyroid, which can be a sign of thyroid problem, can be checked using a glass of water and mirror.
The procedure includes swallowing a glass of water and observing for any lump on the thyroid location on the neck. The thyroid gland is located below the Adam’s apple and just above the collar bone. A lump may indicate an enlarged thyroid gland that requires consultation with your physician for further diagnosis.
Treatment of Thyroid Problem
Treatment of hypothyroidism:
- synthetic T4, or
- combination of synthetic T4 and synthetic T3.
Treatment of hyperthyroidism:
- antithyroid drugs to block the overproduction of thyroid hormone, or
- use of radioactive iodine to destroy the overactive thyroid tissue, or
- surgery or removal of thyroid gland.
Undiagnosed and untreated thyroid disorder can lead to elevated cholesterol levels, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression and other illnesses.
References:
1) American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
2) American Thyroid Association.
3) Ruggieri, Paul and Scott Isaacs. “A Simple Guide to Thyroid Disorders - From Diagnosis to Treatment.” Copyright 2004.
