Thyroid Disease: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Preventions, Risk Factors, Complications & Treatment

Thyroid Disease 

[A Complete Guide]

Thyroid disorder is a common problem that affects more women than men. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located inside the neck and just above the collarbone. The thyroid is a type of endocrine gland that makes hormones. There are mainly two types of thyroid- hypothyroid and hypothyroid. In hyperthyroidism the thyroid is produced in excess whereas in hypothyroidism the production of this hormone is reduced.

What is Thyroid?

The thyroid has an endocrine gland that produces two hormones called triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The production and secretion of these hormones are controlled by thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH). TSH is produced in the pituitary whose secretion is controlled by thyroid releasing hormone or TRH. These hormones are responsible for the normal metabolic process of the body.

Thyroid problems arise when the thyroid gland produces more or less hormones. An imbalance in the production of hormones can occur due to the formation of cancerous or cancerous cells in the autoimmune or thyroid gland or inflammation in the gland. Globally, more women suffer from this disease than men. 0.5% of women suffer from thyroid as compared to 0.5% of men. The formation of more or less thyroid hormone affects every cell in the body.

Types of Thyroid Disease

Thyroid hormone plays an important role in controlling metabolic rate, food intake and thermogenesis. In hyperthyroidism, thyroid hormone starts to be produced in excess in which the levels of T3 and T4 increase and TSH levels begin to decrease. Sometimes inflammation of the thyroid gland may result in permanent hyperthyroidism. The second type of thyroid is hypothyroidism in which thyroid hormone starts to decrease and T3 and T4 serum levels decrease.

Thyroid related problems:

1. Hyperthyroidism: In this, due to over-activation of the thyroid gland, excessive secretion of thyroid hormone starts.
2. Hypothyroidism: In this, the thyroid gland releases less than normal thyroid hormone.
3. Thyroid Cancer: The most dangerous form of endocrine tumor is thyroid cancer. Depending on the tissues, thyroid cancer can be classified as follows-

• Differential Thyroid Cancer: Differential thyroid cancer occurs when papillary thyroid cancer and follicular thyroid cancer occur together. This type of cancer comes from epithelial cells and is the most common form of thyroid cancer.
• Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a rare and rapidly growing cancer that is very difficult to treat. Only two percent of cancer is anaplastic thyroid cancer. This cancer usually occurs in adults 60 or older.

Symptoms of Thyroid Disease

The most common symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:

• Goitre disease
• Lose weight
• Nervousness, anxiety, discomfort or mood swings
• Tiredness 
• Feeling too hot
• Breathlessness
• Heartbeat fast
• Sleep less
• Excessive thirst
• Redness or dryness in eyes
• hair fall

The most common symptoms of Hypothyroidism:

• Gaining weight
• Weakening of nails and hair
• Skin dryness and thinning
• Hair loss
• Feeling too cold
• Depression
• Muscle stiffness
• Sore throat
• Mental stress

The most common symptoms of Thyroid Cancer:

• Rapid lump in the throat
• Neck swelling
• Change in voice
• Difficulty swallowing food
• respiratory distress
• A persistent cough without any infection or allergy

Causes of Thyroid Disease 

1.There are various causes of Hyperthyroidism:

• Graves disease: It is an autoimmune disease in which auto antibodies stimulate the gland to produce and release a large amount of thyroid hormone. This problem is seen in more women than men.
• Knee in thyroid gland: Due to formation of knot (which is not cancerous) on thyroid gland, excessive amount of hormones can be released.
• Excess intake of iodine: Iodine is an essential micronutrient for the production of thyroid hormone. However, excessive intake of iodine can lead to hyperthyroidism.
• Pregnancy: Hyperthyroidism can occur due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. The production of thyroid hormones may increase when cancerous cells develop in the pituitary gland.

Risk factor:

• Pregnancy
• Smoking 
• Autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome

There are various causes of Hypothyroidism:

Hypothyroidism occurs due to hormone deficiency. It is of two types, one is due to the thyroid gland and the other is due to a disorder related to the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus.

Causes of primary Hypothyroidism: 

• Hashimoto's disease: The thyroid gland becomes less active due to autoimmune inflammation in the thyroid gland.
• Deficiency of Iodine: Iodine plays an important role in the production of thyroid hormone after the thyroid gland and can cause hyperthyroidism.
• Thyroidectomy: A surgical procedure in which the entire thyroid gland or some part of the thyroid gland is removed. This may later take the form of hypothyroidism.
• Radiotherapy
• Thyroid dysgenesis
• Congenital hyperthyroidism

Causes of secondary Hypothyroidism:

• Pituitary adenoma (growth of cancerous cells)
• Pituitary surgery
• Head trauma
• Hypothalamic tumor

Risk factor: 

• If a member of the family has hypothyroidism, the risk of it increases in other members also. Congenital hypothyroidism is common in this condition. Apart from this, a diet with low iodine is also an important factor in hypothyroidism.

There are various causes of Thyroid Cancer:

• Genetic cause: The person with thyroid cancer has the highest risk of cancer from the genes.
• Radiation: Carcinogen is a popular radiation. These radiation cause carcinogenic changes.
• Diabetes: Increased insulin resistance and TSH levels can increase the risk of thyroid cancer in diabetes patients.
• Hormone: Estrogen plays an important role in thyroid cancer. The study has revealed that women who underwent hysterectomy (uterine removal surgery) had a higher risk of thyroid cancer.
• Lifestyle: Taking high amounts of nitrates in the diet and food additives can also cause thyroid cancer. Smoking and lack of physical activity can also play an important role in causing thyroid cancer.
• Autoimmunity: Patients with Graves disease and Hashimoto thyroiditis have a higher risk of thyroid cancer.

Risk factor: 

• Women are at higher risk of this
• Genetic
• TSH label increase
• Autoimmune disease
• Exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation

Note:- It cannot be said clearly that iodine is related to thyroid cancer. Some studies have shown that inadequate iodine intake can cause thyroid cancer, while several studies indicate that iodine-rich seafood increases the likelihood of thyroid cancer. Therefore, it is not clear how iodine causes thyroid cancer. Therefore, it is better that you take the right and appropriate amount of iodine.

Prevention of Thyroid Disease 

Hyperthyroidism

The apparent cause of hyperthyroidism has not yet been known, due to which the prevention of this problem is also difficult. However, the risk of hyperthyroidism can be reduced by removing stress and smoking addiction and with the help of a balanced diet.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is caused by genetic and hormonal causes, so it is difficult to stop it. However, investigation and treatment of this disease is quite easy. Adequate iodine intake and a balanced diet can help prevent hypothyroidism.

Thyroid Cancer

Prevention of thyroid cancer is also very difficult. However, detecting the faulty gene and removing the thyroid gland can help prevent cancer. The risk of thyroid cancer can also be reduced by not being more exposed to radiation.

Treatment of Thyroid Disease

Hyperthyroidism

The following treatments are available for hyperthyroidism such as-

• Medications: Radioactive iodine ablation, anti-thyroid drugs such as neomercazole (to slow the release of hormones) and anti-inflammatory medications (to relieve symptoms) are advised.
• Surgical removal of the affected part of the thyroid gland or thyroidectomy.
• Use of artificial tears to relieve dryness of eyes.

Lifestyle Changes:

Apart from medicines, thyroid gland activation can also be monitored by making some lifestyle changes. Regular health checkups, quitting smoking and yoga can help control thyroid problems. A balanced diet with vitamins, protein, calcium, iodine and magnesium can also help in relieving the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and improving overall health.

Hypothyroidism

Regular thyroxine supplements are the most common treatment for hypothyroidism. After the start of treatment, regular blood tests should be done so that the dose can be changed according to the hormone level in the blood. In Ayurveda many herbs are used to treat hypothyroidism. You can talk to your doctor about the use and dosage of Ayurvedic medicines to treat hypothyroidism.

Lifestyle Changes:

Apart from medication, thyroid hormone levels can be controlled with the help of checkups, exercise and yoga.

Thyroid Cancer

Treatment for thyroid cancer depends on its type and level of thyroid cancer. The following treatments are generally available for the treatment of thyroid cancer:

• Surgery: The whole or part of the thyroid gland and the lymph nodes of the neck are removed by surgery.
• The remaining thyroid tissue after surgery is removed with radioactive iodine therapy.
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy: Intravenous anti-cancer drugs.
• Targeted therapy: eliminating cancerous tissues with drugs.

Lifestyle changes:

A balanced diet, regular exercise, and non-smoking can help control thyroid cancer to some extent.

Also read: Big Reasons of Growing Belly Fat

Risk and Complications of Thyroid Disease

Hyperthyroidism

Treatment is selected based on age, sex, and patient's condition. If left untreated on time, the disease can increase and affect the eyes and skin. The following types of difficulties can be encountered due to hyperthyroidism such as -

• Cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and hot failure
• Paralysis
• Osteoporosis
• Infertility due to irregular menstruation
• Thyroid storm in the part where thyroid hormone is released in some quantity

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can be treated with regular doses of thyroxine. If taken with the right treatment, then there can be a serious problem due to hypothyroidism like-

• Atherosclerosis (deposition of cholesterol inside the arteries) can cause problems when the thyroid gland is less active. In some cases, it can also cause the thyroid gland to enlarge to meet hormonal requirements.
• Apart from this, a condition of myxedema coma can also occur due to hypothyroidism. Myxedema coma is a very dangerous condition. It is characterized by very low production of thyroid hormone.

Thyroid Cancer

Cancerous cells can be prevented from growing with the help of timely screening and treatment. Carcinoma can cause cardiovascular and metabolic problems by affecting thyroid hormone levels such as-

• The cancer can spread to nearby areas and affect the function of the vocal tract. It can also spread to the lymph nodes due to which it can become more difficult.

Note:- 

Thyroid treatment advice:

The thyroid can be easily controlled by getting the endocrinologist examined at the right time. Some changes in lifestyle, intake of regular medicines and periodic checkups can help control the thyroid and prevent it from taking serious forms.