Thyroid is a five centimeters endocrine gland, shaped like a butterfly and located in front of the neck, it secretes hormones like triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and calcitonin. Thyroid gland and hormones interact with lots of organs including, nervous, cardiovascular, digestive and reproductive systems. Thyroid hormones play important functions like, body growth, metabolism, energy, temperature, heart beat, breathing, digestion, fertility, bone maintenance and mental health. Thyroid gland capture the iodine found in food, water and iodized table salts to generate both hormones T3 and T4. These later are regulated by an hormone called TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) produced by “pituitary gland” located at the base of the brain.
Health care professionals usually prescribe thyroid teststhatinclude blood hormones: TSH, T3, T4 and thyroid antibody tests (for the diagnosis of thyroid diseases caused by autoimmune disorder), ultrasound, computerized tomography scan (CTscan), radioactive iodine uptake test and biopsy.
What are common thyroid disorders and diseases?
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Causes: This condition occurs when thyroid doesn’t produce sufficient hormones. Several factors have been associated, like lack of iodine, thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis), autoimmune diseases and others.
Common symptoms: tiredness, weight gain, sensitive to cold, depression, constipation, muscles pain, fragility of nails and hair, irregular/heavy period etc.
Hormonal evaluation: High TSH, low T3 and T4
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Causes: Thyroid produce too much hormones. Autoimmune conditions, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, high iodine levels, non-cancerous tumors and thyroid cancer (rarely) are associated with hyperthyroidism.
Common symptoms: tiredness, weight loss, sensitivity to heat, irregular heartbeats, difficulty in sleeping, anxiety, nervousness, hyperactivity, muscles weakness, diarrhea, thirst, itchiness, increase of thyroid size, sweating, nails/hair loss, vision problems etc.
Hormonal evaluation: Low TSH, high T3 and T4.
- Benign thyroid nodules: These are small, abnormal growths of thyroid nodules. In most of cases nodules are non-cancerous and may rarely contain cancerous cells. Sometimes the nodule itself secrete thyroid hormones and cause hyperthyroidism.
- Thyroid cancer: a rare type of cancer, commonly identified in the age of 30th and over 60th. Women are more susceptible to develop thyroid cancer than men. Most thyroid cancer can be treated successfully.
How to self-check thyroid at home?
All you will need is a glass of water and a mirror:
Step 1: Face a mirror focusing on the lower-front of the neck.
Step 2: Slowly tilt the neck back.
Step 3: Swallow a sip of water.
Step 4: Look and gently examine, with finger by touching the concerned area for any noticeable anomalies like: nodules, lumps or enlargements. Nodules are rounded shape and move with thyroid when you swallow.
The existence of nodules or lumps doesn’t always reflect the presence of thyroid disease or cancer. Talk to your doctor if you find any anomalies.
