Contrary to popular belief, thyroid problems are not uncommon. In fact, it is estimated that people suffering from thyroid problems are two times more than people suffering from diabetes problems. Hence,let us know a bit more about this gland and its role in our body.

The Thyroid gland

The thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands in the body. It is a butterfly shaped gland, found towards the lower part of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple.

It is the most important gland for metabolism. Besides metabolism, thyroid gland also has an important role bearing on the heart rate, cholesterol level, body weight, energy level, muscle strength, skin condition, menstrual regularity, memory function and many other conditions.

Secretions of the Thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is stimulated by a hormone called as TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone/thyrotropin) which, in turn, is produced by another gland called as the pituitary gland. [The pituitary gland is called as the Master Gland of the body and is located in the brain]. This TSH commands the thyroid to produce two hormones Thyroxine (abbreviated as T4) and Tri-iodothyronine (abbreviated as T3). A more recently discovered hormone produced by the thyroid gland is calcitonin which is found to secreted when the calcium levels in the blood is high, directing the excess calcium to the bones.

Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism

A deficiency in the production of the thyroid hormones leads to a condition called as Hypothyroidism while an increase in the production of the thyroid hormones leads to a condition called as Hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is seen to occur more frequently than hyperthyroidism.

HYPERTHYROIDISM

Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by the effects of too much thyroid hormone on the tissues of the body. This directly increases the rate at which the body functions.

Symptoms: People suffering from hyperthyroidism will feel hotter than normal people. These individuals have trouble sleeping. They become upset easily and are irritable. Other bodily symptoms include:

• Palpitations
• Heat Intolerance
• Increased bowel movements
• Increased perspiration
• Weight loss despite a good appetite
• Fine brittle hair, thinning of skin and hair loss
• Less frequent menstrual periods in women
• Shaky Hands
• Breast development in men

In extreme cases the individual may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle weakness etc. Usually the symptoms develop gradually and the individual is unaware of it until the symptoms become severe. In older people, all these symptoms maybe absent except that they may lose weight or get depressed.

Causes: In many instances, hyperthyroidism maybe a linked to one’s genetic makeup. However, excessive intake of iodine, excessive intake of drugs for the treatment of

hypothyroidism etc can trigger the occurrence of the disease.

Effects: Hyperthyroidism leads to a disease condition known as Grave’s disease. It is an autoimmune disease (caused by the body’s own immune system/antibodies) and has 3 distinct phases.

♦ Over activity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)

♦ Inflammation of the tissues around the eyes (in 20% of the cases)

♦ Thickening of the skin of lower legs -myxedema.

HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the body produces insufficient amounts of thyroid hormones due to reasons like damage of the thyroid tissues.

Symptoms: One of the most common symptom of hypothyroidism is fatigue and tiredness. Unfortunately most people attribute it to their busy lifestyles without thinking there could be an underlying medical reason. Below are the common symptoms of hypothyroidism. Many of these may be pronounced in some individuals, whereas in some individuals it may be so subtle that it goes unnoticed.

• Weight Gain or increased difficulty losing weight
• Coarse voice
• Dry hair and dry pale skin
• Hair loss
• Cold intolerance, Fatigue
• Constipation
• Depression and irritability
• Memory loss , absent mindedness, decreased concentration
• Abnormal menstrual cycles and reduced fertility
• Decreased sexual desire

The severity of the symptoms differs from individual to individual depending upon the amount of thyroxyne levels in the blood and the duration of the condition

Causes: It could occur as a result of either decreased intake of dietary iodine or due to the treatment done for hyperthyroidism like radioactive iodine therapy. It could also be as a result of Hashimito’s disease (or Hashimito’s thyroiditis). This is an autoimmune disease which causes an inflammation of the thyroid gland due to which the thyroid gland is destroyed and the patient is rendered hypothyroid.

Effects: Our body has an excellent feedback mechanism to maintain the right levels of every substance in the body. However, unfortunately, decreased levels of thyroid hormones in the blood stream instruct the pituitary gland in the brain to produce more TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone. But the thyroid gland is not in a condition to produce the thyroid hormones. This results in abnormal levels of TSH in the body and hence a swelling of the thyroid gland leading to a condition called as Goitre.

Diagnosis of Thyroid problems

The diagnosis of an abnormal thyroid condition is simple in some individuals and may involve only a simple blood test. However, in some individuals the diagnosis itself is a very complex procedure. Early diagnosis involves testing the levels of the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the blood stream. The level of TSH produced by the pituitary gland is also tested. If the levels of TSH are below the normal level then it indicates hyperthyroidism and if the levels are above normal level then it indicates hypothyroidism.

A Thyroid Scan may also be done in most cases to confirm if the cause is a single nodule or the whole gland. In individuals where the preliminary analysis is unable to establish the fact, complex procedures like radioactive iodine uptake tests(RAI tests), antibody screening, thyroid ultrasound etc are also undertaken.

Infertility could be a thyroid problem. But many doctors and fertility clinics do not test for this. Every woman should have her thyroid evaluated before and after pregnancy; and should take extra care during the course of pregnancy, if found to have thyroid problems. In general, it is estimated that woman are 7 times more prone to thyroid problems than men.

Undiagnosed and improperly diagnosed thyroid can sabotage even the best diet and exercise plan. A high cholesterol level that does not respond to treatment could be due to thyroid problems.

Can thyroid problems be prevented?

The answer is an obvious YES.

Some things that can increase the tendency of thyroid problems include:

Intake of excessive fluorides usually found in drinking water. Hence, other fluids need to be taken, apart from depending only on water

Intake of iodine in too much or too less quantities; this can make one prone to hyper or hypothyroidism. As iodine is present in salt, its consumption needs to be controlled.

Smoking can damage the thyroid and may worsen some existing thyroid conditions.

Stress can also increase the tendency of a person to suffer from thyroid complications.

Thus a healthy diet, exercise, proper nutrition and stress reduction can all minimize the risk of developing thyroid diseases.

Thyroid is a silent killer; it can disrupt lives through lack of concentration, weight gain or loss, depression, hair loss and in several other ways, especially in today’s changing lifestyle and increased stress levels. Hence, it is better to look out for the symptoms and seek immediate medical advice.

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