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Hypothyroidism is low levels of thyroid hormones predominantly due to an underactive thyroid gland
Lifestyle changes can also lead to thyroid problems.
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland located in the lower part of the neck. It produces thyroid hormones which are vital for the normal working of the brain, heart, muscles and other organs as well as energy regulation.
Dr. Nisha Kaimal, Consultant, Endocrinology and Diabetology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai essentially highlights the important aspects of thyroid disease and their symptoms which must prompt medical attention.
The most common thyroid disorders are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism refers to excess levels of thyroid hormones released from the thyroid gland. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Grave’s disease, an autoimmune condition. Other causes include thyroid nodules or thyroiditis (inflammation of thyroid glands). The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are rapid heartbeat, weight loss, hand tremors, nervousness, anxiety, frequent bowel movements and difficulty sleeping. Left untreated, thyrotoxicosis can lead to significant comorbidities and cardiac complications. Hence one must seek medical attention early if these symptoms are noticed. Hyperthyroidism can be effectively treated with antithyroid drugs.
Hypothyroidism is low levels of thyroid hormones predominantly due to an underactive thyroid gland. It is the most common thyroid disorder in India, affecting one in ten adults. Causes of hypothyroidism include autoimmune thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, radioiodine treatment or surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Adults with hypothyroidism may experience fatigue, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, constipation, weight gain, thinning of hair, puffy face, hoarse voice, muscle pain, heavy menstrual cycles, depression, reduced memory and slow heart rate. Children born with congenital hypothyroidism can have severe neurological and developmental abnormalities, if not identified and treated promptly. The diagnosis can be easily made with a blood test soon after birth. Hypothyroidism can be adequately controlled with thyroxine replacement in a tablet form.
Women are five to eight times more likely to have a thyroid disorder than men. Other risk factors for thyroid disorders include old age, a history of other autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease, family history of thyroid disease and history of radiation to the neck. Patients with hypothyroidism are often asymptomatic, hence it is important to have a lower threshold for doing blood tests, especially if risk factors are present.
Thyroid diseases affect up to 2-3% of all pregnancies. Untreated hypothyroidism in pregnancy can lead to impaired brain development in the baby. Women with established hypothyroidism must ensure that their thyroid hormone levels are normal prior to getting pregnant.
It is important to seek immediate medical attention if a lump in the neck is noticed. A painless neck swelling could be a nodule in the thyroid gland or a non-thyroid related cause. Thyroid nodules are common and their prevalence increases with age. Most nodules are non-cancerous but 5-10% could be cancerous and can be successfully treated, if diagnosed early. The nodules are characterised using an ultrasound scan. Depending on the scan results, a fine needle aspiration test is often advised to achieve a definitive diagnosis.
In conclusion, thyroid disorders can be difficult to identify due to the non-specific nature of the symptoms. However; once identified, these disorders are easily treatable. Hence it is vital to seek medical attention if any of the above-mentioned symptoms are experienced.
