Thyroid: What is it, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

The thyroid gland is a vital hormone gland that plays an important role in the body's metabolism, growth, and development. A steady amount of thyroid hormone is constantly present in the bloodstream, helping to regulate many body functions. During specific conditions such as growth, development, or pregnancy, the body requires more energy. In such cases, the thyroid gland produces more hormones. The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck, below the vocal cords, and is butterfly-shaped. The thyroid gland weighs between 20 and 60 grams on average and is surrounded by two fibrous capsules. The outer capsule is connected to the laryngeal muscles and many important vessels and nerves. There is loose connective tissue between the inner and outer capsules. Therefore, the thyroid can move and change its position during swallowing. The thyroid tissue itself consists of numerous small individual lobules surrounded by thin connective tissue layers. These lobules contain many small vesicles called follicles, which store thyroid hormones in small droplets. The thyroid gland produces three hormones. These hormones are: Triiodothyronine, also known as T3 T4 Calcitonin Calcitonin, produced by C cells in the body, is involved in calcium and bone metabolism. T3 and T4 hormones increase the basal metabolic rate, making all cells in the body work harder.

What Are Thyroid Disorders?

Thyroid disorders occur when the thyroid gland produces too much or too little thyroid hormone in the body. Problems related to thyroid disorders include various conditions that can cause the thyroid gland to produce too little (hypothyroidism) or too much (hyperthyroidism) thyroid hormone. Thyroid disorders can affect heart rate, mood, energy levels, metabolism, bone health, pregnancy, and many other functions. As a result of thyroid disorders, a small, harmless goiter (enlargement of the gland) that does not require treatment may develop, or advanced thyroid disorders may lead to life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Some diseases that can result from problems in the thyroid hormone mechanism are as follows:

Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include heart palpitations, feeling excessively anxious and nervous, sensitivity to heat, and difficulty gaining weight despite eating well.

Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include fatigue, sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, memory weakness, concentration problems, and difficulty losing weight.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that occurs due to inflammation of the thyroid gland. Hashimoto's thyroiditis can result in a goiter (swelling in the neck due to an enlarged thyroid gland).

Thyroid Cancer: Thyroid cancer can develop due to uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells in the thyroid gland. Thyroid cancer is more common in people who have been exposed to excessive radiation to the head, neck, and chest. However, thyroid cancer can also occur in individuals without any known risk factors.

Thyroid Disorders in Women: Thyroid disorders in women can affect hormone balance and cause problems during puberty, menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, and the postpartum period.

What Causes Thyroid Disorders?

Problems in the thyroid hormone mechanism secreted by the thyroid gland can lead to thyroid disorders. Factors causing thyroid disease vary depending on the type of thyroid disease.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, a disease caused by excessive secretion of thyroid hormone, can result from various factors. Some factors causing hyperthyroidism include:

Graves' Disease: Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to the production of antibodies by the immune system, causing excessive secretion of thyroid hormone. Excessive thyroid hormone secretion can result in hyperthyroidism.

Nodules on the Thyroid Gland: Extra thyroid tissue formed on the thyroid gland can increase the level of thyroid hormone released into the body. Excessive thyroid hormone can lead to hyperthyroidism.

Certain Medications: Some medications, such as amiodarone used to treat irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), can cause excessive secretion of thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism can occur as a result of excessive thyroid hormone secretion.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism can result from damage caused by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland, thyroid cancer, or treatment for hyperactive thyroid hormone. Some factors causing hypothyroidism include:

Immune System: The immune system attacking the thyroid gland can result in the body secreting less thyroid hormone than needed. Hashimoto's disease is one of the autoimmune diseases that cause low thyroid hormone secretion.

Hyperthyroidism Treatment: Hypothyroidism can result from the side effects or complications of treatment methods used in hyperthyroidism treatment, such as surgery or radioactive iodine therapy, leading to decreased thyroid hormone secretion.

Iodine Deficiency: Iodine is a mineral that affects the thyroid hormone mechanism. The iodine mineral, which plays a role in the body's energy metabolism, is one of the main building blocks of T3 and T4 hormones. Since iodine cannot be produced by the body, it must be adequately obtained through food. Iodine is absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestines. It is then transported to the thyroid gland, where it is used for thyroid hormone production. Iodine deficiency in the body can cause hypothyroidism.

Pituitary Gland Disorders: The pituitary gland is a gland that regulates the secretion of thyroid hormone in the body. Thyroid hormone binds to carrier proteins in the blood. Sometimes the body may need more thyroid hormone. In such cases, T3 and T4 hormones can be released from the proteins in the blood. Conversely, the body may need less thyroid hormone. The amount of thyroid hormone needed by the body is determined by the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland assists the thyroid gland in determining the amount of thyroid hormone that should enter the bloodstream. Problems in the pituitary gland can lead to hypothyroidism by causing insufficient secretion of thyroid hormone.

The factors causing thyroid disease vary according to the amount of thyroid hormone secretion.

Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders

The symptoms resulting from thyroid disorders vary according to the type of thyroid disease. Some symptoms resulting from excessive secretion of thyroid hormone are:

• Excessive nervousness and irritability,
• Difficulty falling asleep,
• Fatigue and weakness,
• Sensitivity to heat,
• Heart palpitations,
• Unintended weight loss.

Some symptoms resulting from insufficient secretion of thyroid hormone are:

• Fatigue,
• Sensitivity to cold,
• Weight gain despite a balanced diet,
• Constipation,
• Muscle pain,
• Dry skin,
• Brittle hair and nails,
• Pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome).

As mentioned above, symptoms vary according to the mechanism of thyroid disease formation.

How Are Thyroid Disorders Treated?

In thyroid disorders resulting from excessive or insufficient production of thyroid hormones, different treatment methods are applied to bring thyroid hormone levels to the appropriate range. In the case of hyperthyroidism, treatment to slow down thyroid hormone production is needed, while hypothyroidism requires an increase in hormone production.

Some medications used in treatment can help regulate thyroid hormone levels. Other treatments such as dietary supplements, doctor-recommended herbal medicines, and special exercises can also help the thyroid gland function better. Additionally, surgery may be necessary for the treatment of advanced thyroid diseases.

It is important for the treatment plan to be made by a doctor for the correct treatment of diseases. Treatment methods not supervised by a specialist can lead to undesirable side effects. If you want to learn more about thyroid disorders, you can visit a healthcare facility.