Thyroid disorders are conditions in which the thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck, malfunctions. The gland produces the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which play an important role in regulating metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate. Thyroid disorders can occur in two main forms: underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
They may not show any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, if left untreated, they can lead to illness
Causes of thyroid disorders
Hypothyroidism
. Hashimoto's disease: An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to decreased production of thyroid hormones
. Iodine deficiency: Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. A deficiency can lead to goiter and hypothyroidism
. Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which may occur due to infection or autoimmune disorders
. Medical treatments: Such as thyroid surgery or the use of radioactive iodine, which can lead to decreased thyroid function
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
. Graves' disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to overstimulate and produce excess thyroid hormones
. Toxic thyroid nodules: Abnormal lumps in the thyroid that directly produce hormones
. Excessive iodine intake: Excessive iodine intake can lead to increased production of thyroid hormones
Symptoms of thyroid disorders
:Hypothyroidism
Fatigue and weakness
Unexpected weight gain
Sensitivity to cold
Constipation
Dry skin and hair
Depression
Slow heart rate
Memory problems
Fertility problems
Irregular or heavy periods
Joint pain
Thinning hair
Hyperthyroidism
Unexpected weight loss
Heart palpitations
Nervousness and irritability
Excessive sweating
Trembling of hands
Sleep disturbances
Sensitivity to heat
Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
See a doctor
If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is recommended that you see a general practitioner or endocrinologist. These specialists can perform clinical examinations and prescribe the necessary tests to make an accurate diagnosis and determine an appropriate treatment plan
Hypothyroidism
Hormonal treatments: Daily intake of synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine), which returns thyroid hormone levels to normal
Note: Be sure to consult a specialist before taking it and do not take it on your own
Hyperthyroidism
Antithyroid drugs: Reduce the production of thyroid hormones
. Radioactive iodine: Destroys part of the thyroid tissue using radioactive iodine, which leads to a decrease in hormone production
Surgery: In severe cases, it may be necessary to remove part or all of the thyroid gland
Note: Be sure to consult a specialist before use and do not use it on your own
Diagnostic tests in a medical diagnostic laboratory
To evaluate thyroid function, your doctor may order the following blood tests
TSH: This hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland and its level indicates thyroid function
T4: Measuring the level of this hormone can help diagnose hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
T3: This hormone can cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in some cases
Antithyroid antibodies: To diagnose autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's or Graves', measuring certain antibodies such as antithyroid peroxidase and antithyroglobulin is useful
Free T3: To assess hyperthyroidism, help diagnose thyrotoxicosis (thyroid toxicity) and to assess thyroid function in patiens with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
Free T4: Examination of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, evaluation of thyroid function in autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto's or Graves'
TSRU: Investigating thyroid problems caused by changes in the levels of thyroid carrier proteins can help diagnose the cause. Abnormal results in "T3" and "T4" (e.g. hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) due to changes in TBG (Thyroxine-binding Globulin)
Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibody( Anti-Tg): Diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid diseases such as (Hashimoto's or Graves'), status check Thyroid cancer patients for follow-up after surgery or treatment, investigation of the cause of congenital hypothyroidism in newborns
TSI: Diagnosis of Graves' disease, which is an autoimmune thyroid disease, is a cause of hyperthyroidism in pregnant women. This factor It can cross the placenta and affect the fetus
(Anti – Thyroid peroxidase Antibody) Anti TPO: Diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto's and Graves', Help diagnose congenital hypothyroidism in newborns, investigate the causes of hypothyroidism in pregnant women that can affect the fetus
Overall conclusion
Free T3 and Free T4: To check overall thyroid function (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
T3RU: To check changes in thyroid hormone carrier proteins
Thyroglobulin Ab: For autoimmune thyroid diseases and thyroid cancer
TSI: To diagnose Graves' disease (autoimmune hyperthyroidism factor)
Thyroperoxidase (Anti-TPO): To diagnose autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto's and Graves'
These tests are performed with a simple blood sample, and their results help the doctor make a diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment method
Source
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-hypothyroidism-8735537