Learn more about thyroid disorders and how to treat them.
The thyroid gland is small, butterfly shaped, and lies over the trachea (the wind pipe) just below the larynx. The thyroid is different from other endocrine glands because it requires an outside substance, iodine, to produce the hormone thyroxine. This process is initiated by TSH, which comes from the pituitary; a small but steady supply of iodine; and normal pathways of hormone synthesis.
Metabolic processes are always affected by the thyroid hormone. If there is too much thyroid hormone, the speed of metabolism is increased; and if there is too little thyroid hormone, everything is slowed down. In either case, the disorder may be signaled by an enlargement of the gland itself, known as a goiter. Iodine deficiency, in the past, was the most common cause of thyroid disease. Today, however, iodine is very available in the foods that we eat and is added to the table salt that we use.
Overactive Thyroid
Hyperthyroidism is caused by an excessive production of thyroid hormone. The most common cause is a disorder called Graves' Disease. Symptoms of Graves' Disease include loss of weight, rapid heart rate, muscle weakness, tremor, increased sensitivity to heat and cold, flushed skin, and feelings of anxiety and nervousness. Also, the eyes may bulge, and a goiter may develop. Hyperthyroidism is less common due to tumors of the pituitary and thyroid. Graves' Disease may be treated by giving drugs that inhibit production of the thyroid hormone; using radioactive iodine to destroy part of the gland is necessary.
Underactive Thyroid
The most common cause of underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is an autoimmune disorder in which the thyroid gland is slowly destroyed by the body's immune system. Another cause is lack of TSH from the pituitary. Also, a baby can be born with no thyroid or one that does not produce enough hormones. Symptoms of underactive thyroid include a feeling of lethargy, aching muscles, growing intolerance to heat and cold, constipation, weight gain, puffy face, dry skin, deepening of the voice, and depression. Treatment is very simple for hypothyroidism: one must take replacement thyroid hormone for life.
Goiter
A goiter is any swelling or overgrowth of the thyroid gland. The most common causes are benign nodules or common thyroiditis. This is an inflammation of the gland due to autoimmune disease. Rarely, the cause of goiter is benign or malignant tumors and iodine deficiency. Treatment of goiter depends on the cause. Usually, surgical removal and administration of thyroid hormone is necessary.
Parathyroid Disorders
Parathyroid glands are located on the back and sides of each thyroid lobe. They produce a hormone that controls the amount of calcium released into the bloodstream. Excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone, which usually results from benign tumors of the parathyroid glands, can cause kidney stones. Symptoms are headache, fatigue, increased urination, thirst, muscle contractions, and convulsions. Removing the tumors surgically can treat this condition.
A deficiency in parathyroid hormone is a rare condition and usually associated with removal of the thyroid gland. This deficiency can be treated with calcium and vitamin D supplements for the rest of the patient's life.
Thyroid disorders tend to be hereditary. As many as six or seven people in one family can have a thyroid disorder. For example, one person may have low thyroid while another may have high thyroid. Then another may have a goiter. All of these family members may receive different treatment, depending on the particular disorder that the individual has.
If you are aware that these thyroid disorders run in your family, it is wise to go to your family doctor and have him/her check you for the disorder. It only involves a simple blood test for the doctor to determine if you have something wrong with your thyroid gland. In most cases, treatment is very simple. A daily pill of synthyroid is all you may need.
If left untreated, you can become very sick. With low thyroid, as mentioned earlier, the entire body slows down including the the heart muscle. You will be so tired that you will not be able to function. With hyperthyroidism, everything speeds up; therefore, your heart rate also increases.
Medication and other treatments can correct all of these symptoms, and in most cases, you will be feeling like your old self within a couple of weeks. Once your physician has determined that you have a thyroid disorder, he/she will give you a blood test every three months to check the TSH level in your blood. This helps him/her to decide the correct amount of medication to give you. Always buy salt with iodine in it. This will ensure that you are getting iodine into your bloodstream, which is important if you have a thyroid disorder. If your physician tells you that you need to take a daily pill of synthyroid, you must take it at the same time each day. Taking your medication at the same time each day will keep the medication at the same level all the time; therefore, you will feel better.
