What are some common Thyroid Diseases?

Are you noticing unexplained physical changes? Maybe you’re more tired than usual, no matter how much sleep you get, or your weight is fluctuating regardless of how carefully you watch what you eat. With the many stressors of everyday life, it's easy to brush these symptoms off as just part of the daily grind. However, these symptoms may indicate a larger problem.

Thyroid diseases are a group of disorders that affect the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolism, including heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels. When the thyroid doesn't function properly, it can lead to various health issues. When the thyroid malfunctions, it can wreak havoc on your hormones, prompting a range of emotional and physical symptoms that can be extremely distressing, disruptive, and confusing. Thyroid disturbances are pretty common thought to affect approximately 1 in 10 Filipinos.

Here's a breakdown of common thyroid diseases:

1. Hypothyroidism. Occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. This can slow down the body's metabolism and cause a variety of symptoms.

a. Causes:

• Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (an autoimmune disorder)
• Iodine deficiency
• Thyroid surgery
• Radiation therapy
  

b. Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Cold intolerance
• Constipation
• Dry skin and hair
• Depression
• Muscle weakness
• Slowed heart rate

2. Hyperthyroidism. Happens when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, speeding up the body's metabolism.

3. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. An autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.

4. Graves' Disease. An autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism. The immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone.

Diagnosis and Treatment of common Thyroid Diseases

Thyroid diseases are diagnosed through:

• Medical history and physical exam
• Blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3, T4)
• Imaging tests (ultrasound, radioactive iodine uptake)
• Biopsy (only when suspected thyroid nodules or cancer)
  

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There are Treatment Options available:

• Medications (thyroid hormone replacement for hypothyroidism, antithyroid drugs for hyperthyroidism)
• Radioactive iodine treatment (for hyperthyroidism)
• Surgery (to remove part or all of the thyroid gland, for nodules or cancer)
• Lifestyle and dietary changes

If you suspect you have a thyroid disorder, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. An Endocrinologist would be able to advise you on your results and / or treatment options.

Don't know where to start? Speak to a Family Doctor and get answers to your questions.

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