Thyroid Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What Is The Thyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below Adam's apple. This gland is part of the endocrine system, which includes various glands responsible for producing and releasing hormones to control critical body functions, such as metabolism. 

What Does The Thyroid Do?

The primary function of the thyroid is to produce and release hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones, particularly triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), regulate the body's metabolism, determining how the body uses energy. The thyroid's hormones also play vital roles in regulating body temperature, cholesterol levels, and body weight, among others.

What Is Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid disease refers to any disorder that affects the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. These conditions can range from harmless goiters (enlarged glands) to life-threatening cancers. The most common thyroid diseases include hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Types Of Thyroid Disease 

Some of the most common types of thyroid disease include the following: 

1. Goiters: It is a disease where the thyroid gland is enlarged. It is commonly developed as a result of lack of iodine or inflammation of the thyroid gland.
2. Hyperthyroidism: When the thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones in excess - much more than the body requires, the condition is termed Hyperthyroidism. 
3. Hypothyroidism: When the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroid hormones for the body to function, the condition is termed hypothyroidism.
4. Thyroid Cancer: Abnormal growth of cells near the thyroid gland leads to thyroid cancer. 
5. Thyroiditis: A serious condition that leads to the swelling of the thyroid gland. 

Who Is Affected By Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid cancer can affect anybody. It can develop with age (usually after menopause in women) or be present from birth. Compared to men, women are five to eight times more likely to receive a thyroid problem diagnosis.

A thyroid problem could be more likely to affect:

1. Women, especially those older than 60,. 
2. Pregnant women
3. Those with a family history of thyroid disorders
4. Taking medication that’s high in iodine (amiodarone)
5. Have received treatment (radiation or thyroidectomy) for a previous malignancy or thyroid issue.
6. People with specific medical conditions like Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or those who have had treatment for a past thyroid condition or cancer, such as thyroidectomy or radiation

What Causes Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid disease, predominantly categorized into hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, has multiple underlying causes of thyroid problems that affect the thyroid gland's function.

For hypothyroidism, the thyroid causes include:

1. Thyroiditis: It is inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can result in reduced hormone production.
2. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks the thyroid, it is often inherited. 
3. Postpartum Thyroiditis: A temporary condition emerging shortly after delivery, it affects 5% to 9% of women post-childbirth. 
4. Iodine Deficiency: Crucial for hormone production, an iodine deficiency affects millions globally, impacting thyroid health. 
5. Non-Functioning Thyroid Gland: Present from birth, it affects roughly 1 in 4,000 newborns, potentially leading to future physical and mental complications. 

The leading causes of hyperthyroidism include:

1. Graves’ Disease: A condition where the entire thyroid becomes overactive, it is also referred to as a diffuse toxic goiter.
2. Nodules: These are overactive nodules in the thyroid that can induce hyperthyroidism. Singular nodule cases are termed toxic autonomously functioning thyroid nodules, while multiple nodules are categorized as toxic multinodular goiter.
3. Thyroiditis: Whether painful or asymptomatic, this disorder causes the thyroid to release its stored hormones, which might last weeks or even months.
4. Excessive Iodine: An overabundance of iodine in the body, found in certain medications and cough syrups, prompts the thyroid to produce excessive hormones.

What Common Symptoms Can Happen With Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid symptoms largely depend on whether the gland is overactive or underactive. 

For hyperthyroidism, the symptoms include:

1. Anxiety, irritability, and a heightened sense of nervousness
2. Difficulty sleeping
3. Unexpected weight loss
4. The presence of an enlarged thyroid gland, commonly termed a goiter
5. Muscle weakness coupled with tremors
6. Irregularities in menstrual periods or even cessation of the menstrual cycle
7. Sensitivity to warmer temperatures
8. Vision issues and eye irritation

How Is Thyroid Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosing thyroid disease is a comprehensive process that combines a detailed medical history, physical exams, and specialized tests, including:

1. Blood tests to measure levels of thyroid hormones and TSH
2. Imaging tests like ultrasounds to detect thyroid nodules or enlargements
3. Thyroid scans, like radioactive iodine scans, for assessing thyroid nodules' function
4. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) & biopsy
5. You may have an underactive thyroid if your blood TSH level is high and your T4 level is low.
6. In the future, you might be at risk of having an underactive thyroid if your test results indicate elevated TSH but normal T4.
7. Your doctor might advise periodic blood tests to check for the development of an underactive thyroid in the future.

Other measurements, such as determining the hormone triiodothyronine (T3) levels, can also be made with blood testing. But this isn't usually suggested.

How To Check Your Thyroid At Home?

There are multiple ways of checking thyroid at home, like thyroid tests from popular testing companies. You can use a testing kit that involves collecting blood with a finger prick, putting it in a plastic bag, and sending it back to the company in the envelope that is included.

You can also try another way of testing without any gadgets: 

• Step 1: Focus on the area below the larynx, above the collarbones, and the lower front part of the neck while holding the mirror in your hand. In this region of your neck is your thyroid gland. 
• Step 2: Lean back and concentrate on this spot in the mirror.
• Step 3: After drinking some water, swallow. 
• Step 4: Take a peek at your neck while you swallow the water. When you swallow, look for any lumps or protrusions in this region.

Remember: The thyroid gland and the Adam's apple are not the same thing. The thyroid gland is situated nearer the collarbone, further down your neck. You might want to go through this procedure more than once.

How Is Thyroid Disease Treated?

There are various treatment options available for thyroid problems. The main goal of any treatment is to normalize thyroid hormone levels in the body. 

For those with hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone levels), the treatment approach usually includes:

• Antithyroid drugs to halt thyroid hormone production
• Radioactive iodine destroys thyroid cells and controls high hormone production
• Beta-blockers to manage thyroid disorder symptoms without altering hormone levels
• Surgery (thyroidectomy) to remove the thyroid gland

For hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels), the primary treatment usually includes thyroid replacement medication which allows patients to effectively manage their thyroid disease and enjoy a regular life.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Thyroid Surgery?

Recovering from a thyroidectomy is typically swift. After your thyroid surgery, it is essential to allow your body a two-week healing period. During this time, patients are advised to avoid submerging their incisions in water, lifting objects over 15 pounds, and engaging in more than light exercise. By adhering to these thyroid disease prevention, measures, most can resume normal activities after two weeks. 

Your incision site will start to hurt less after a few days, but it might stay hurting for a week or more. Get in touch with your doctor if you experience abrupt swelling in your neck, as this may indicate an infection.

Your calcium level may decrease following surgery as a result of disruption to the parathyroid glands, which control the balance of calcium. If it falls, you can experience tingling and numbness in your mouth or on your fingers. Blood tests will be used to track your calcium levels, and if necessary, we will advise you on how to take calcium supplements.

What are the complications or risks of thyroid problems?

If untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to:

• Goitre, which is an enlarged thyroid gland, affects breathing and swallowing functions
• Cardiac issues, including irregular heart rates and elevated bad cholesterol
• Mental health problems, such as depression
• Peripheral neuropathy, in which peripheral nerves get damaged, causing pain and numbness in limbs
• Myxedema, which is a grave complication marked by facial swelling, intense cold intolerance, and drowsiness
• Reproductive concerns, such as ovulation problems and birth defects
• Pregnancy risks, including miscarriage risks, premature delivery, and developmental issues in babies

How Does Thyroid Disease Affect Pregnancy?

Hypothyroidism's risk for fetal and maternal health: Hypothyroidism can lead to some of the same issues that hyperthyroidism does. Preeclampsia, anemia, abruption, miscarriage, low birth weight, stillbirth, and infrequently congestive heart failure can result from uncontrolled hypothyroidism during pregnancy.

What Foods Are Bad For the Thyroid?

Consuming the following foods can increase your thyroid risk by interfering with thyroid hormone production:

• Cold drinks as they have high fluoride content 
• Brassica vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, especially when consumed raw
• Soy foods, including tofu, since they have isoflavones acting as goitrogens
• Excessive iodine-rich foods
• Fried foods, especially those rich in saturated fats
• Gluten-rich foods, especially for people with hypothyroidism caused due to autoimmune disorders
• Excessive caffeine and sugar
• Alcoholic beverages

What Foods Can I Eat To Support Healthy Thyroid Function?

Incorporating the following foods can help combat thyroid disorder symptoms and reduce thyroid risk:

• Protein sources such as grass-fed meats, free-range chicken, and beans 
• Selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts and cold-water fish 
• Magnesium-rich foods like dark leafy greens and almonds 
• Foods rich in Vitamin B12, such as grass-fed meats and wild-caught seafood
• Iodine-rich foods such as seaweed and kelp 
• Foods loaded with iron, such as spinach and sardines 
• Zinc-rich foods like chicken and almonds
• Green vegetables rich in vitamin B2, egg yolks rich in vitamin D, and wild-caught fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits Vitamin A-rich green vegetables 

Thyroid Disease Prevention

While some causes of thyroid problems are beyond control, like genetics and autoimmune reactions, certain steps can be taken to minimize risks, such as:

• Go for regular screenings, especially if there is a family history of thyroid problems
• Take a balanced iodine intake. Too much or too little can be harmful, so aim for balance
• Reduce the intake of caffeine and alcohol
• Limit your sugar consumption 

Conclusion

The thyroid is a crucial gland that influences numerous bodily functions. Understanding the disease, its symptoms, causes, and thyroid disease treatment is paramount for overall well-being. 

Your Aster DM Team

At Aster DM, we prioritize your thyroid health. Our dedicated team of experts is equipped with the knowledge and state-of-the-art tools to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of thyroid-related disorders. Whether you are seeking guidance on symptoms, nutrition, or thyroid disease treatment options, the Aster DM team is committed to offering comprehensive support tailored to your needs. We are here to help you navigate the intricacies of thyroid health and ensure you lead a healthy and balanced life.

References

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8541-thyroid-disease
2. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/thyroid-disease
3. https://www.webmd.com/women/understanding-thyroid-problems-basics
4. https://www.medicinenet.com/thyroid_disorders/article.htm