A thyroid disorder is one of the most common health conditions, affecting a signification portion of the population worldwide. Studies estimate that around 200 million people across the globe are living with this chronic thyroid disease.
The thyroid is a small gland in your neck, located near the base of your throat, in the front of your neck. It makes hormones to help regulate different bodily functions, including heart rate, metabolism, blood pressure, and weight. The malfunction of the thyroid gland can lead to underlying health hazards known as thyroid disease or disorder. It is important to understand this common health condition, its problems, and causes early to ensure effective treatment and good well-being.
Thyroid: Understanding Its Definition
There is no denying that thyroid malfunction is the root cause of many chronic diseases and long-term health conditions. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped part of the endocrine system that produces hormones to control the body’s metabolism. Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are the most common hormones that control who body’s functions, use energy, and maintain the internal temperature. These also support the heart rate and heart functioning, and other crucial operations.
Situated at the base of the brain, the pituitary gland plays a crucial role in producing thyroid hormones. It releases thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH, which indicates the thyroid to release T3 and T4 into the bloodstream.
In simple words, the thyroid’s main function is to control the speed of your metabolism, which determines how your body converts food into energy. As all cells of your body need energy to operate, malfunctioning could cause a serious autoimmune disorder.
What are the Conditions and Types of Thyroid Disorders?
Numerous conditions can affect your thyroid gland. Since it is an important aspect in controlling your body’s crucial function, ensure you unveil its common disorder types for better understanding. Let’s have a look at the thyroid types of common problems:
- Hypothyroidism
Under this condition, the thyroid gland fails to generate enough thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms like sudden and frequent weight gain, fatigue, constipation, depression, and dry skin. The common causes of hypothyroidism are Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, or autoimmune, Iodine Deficiency, thyroid surgery to reduce hormone production, and other medical conditions.
- Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excess of hormone. This can drastically boost your metabolism and may cause rapid heartbeat, anxiety, weight loss, tremors, and even insomnia. It arises due to the following conditions:
- Graves’ Disease: It is an autoimmune condition that produces too much hormone.
- Excess Intake of Iodine: High levels of iodine in your body can also lead to overactivity
- Thyroid Nodules: Lumps that develop on the thyroid can also increase hormone production.
- Goiter
The enlargement of your thyroid gland can goiter disorder. The worst part is that it can occur with both hyper- and hypothyroidism and harmlessly cause serious symptoms. The common causes of goiter are iodine deficiency, autoimmune conditions, and cysts in the thyroid gland.
- Thyroid Nodules and Cancer
These are known as small lumps that develop in the thyroid gland. While most are harmless, some can turn cancerous. It is a rare but treatable situation when diagnosed early.
Risk Factors: What are the Potential Causes of Thyroid Problems?
Thyroid disorders may develop because of the following risk factors:
- Gender: Scientific research states that women are more prone to developing thyroid-related health concerns.
- Age Factor: Risk increases with age, especially for hypothyroidism or lack of thyroid hormone.
- Hereditary Condition: The disorder can be passed down through generations if not treated in time.
- Autoimmunity: People with autoimmune diseases like psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, etc.
- Iodine Imbalance: Excess as well as deficiency of iodine in the body can cause thyroid disorders.
Sometimes, pregnancy can lead to thyroid issues or it can get worse. This can cause problems for your infant as well if not treated well.
What Are the Early Signs of Thyroid?
Different thyroid conditions have different signs. However, some common symptoms you can witness in your body are:
- Sudden change in heart rate. It can be slow or high.
- Quick weight loss or gain
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety or depression
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Heat and cold intolerance.
It is always good to visit a doctor and get a blood test to diagnose the main cause in your thyroid gland.
Common Tests to Diagnose Thyroid Symptoms
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then you need to get a blood test to check the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH. It is a screening test for both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
According to experts, the normal range for the TSH blood test is 0.5 to 5.0 mlU/L. Remember that the test can vary depending on the lab and other crucial factors like your age, current health condition, and pregnancy. The provider can also check the levels of T4 and T3 thyroid hormones in your blood.
They can also recommend thyroid antibody tests to help detect autoimmune thyroid diseases. In some cases, doctors suggest an ultrasound to detect nodules if the gland is in an inappropriate shape.
It is always good to consult a doctor and get the best treatment and medication to reverse the effects.
Lifestyle and Health Management Tips to Manage Thyroid Conditions
While a thyroid disease requires medical treatment, adopting a healthy and balanced lifestyle can make a world of difference. It can help improve your condition. You can:
- Eat a well-balanced diet. Include proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, micro and macro nutrients.
- Avoid consuming excess soy and goitrogens, found in broccoli or cabbage in case you have hypothyroidism.
- Practice meditation to alleviate stress and anxiety
- 30-minute daily physical activity
- Say no to processed foods
- Monitor thyroid levels regularly if you have a family history.
Endnote
The cases of thyroid disorders are on the rise due to a sedentary lifestyle, excessive levels of stress, and other causes. Identifying causes, types, and early symptoms can help you diagnose the disease early and get effective treatment quickly. Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the main causes and types of thyroid disorders to lead a healthy life.