The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the neck. It functions to produce thyroid hormones to burn energy in the body and help the body function normally, especially the heart and nervous system. If the thyroid gland works too much or too little, it will affect the performance of various organs in the body.
Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroid)
When the thyroid gland is overactive, the body has a high level of thyroid hormones, resulting in increased energy metabolism and symptoms such as:
- Palpitations, hand tremors, easily startled
- Feeling hot, excessive sweating
- Irritability, easily annoyed, insomnia
- Increased appetite but no weight gain or weight loss
Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)
This is a condition where the body has low levels of thyroid hormones due to the thyroid gland working less than normal, resulting in decreased energy metabolism and symptoms such as:
- Lethargy, boredom, lack of motivation
- Frequent drowsiness, feeling cold, hair loss
- Easily fatigued, unable to do much
- Weight gain or unexplained swelling obesity
Risk groups that should see a doctor immediately include
- Having a family history of thyroid disease
- Weight loss or gain of 3 kilograms within 1 month
- If you feel your neck is enlarged or find a lump in the neck area, you should see a doctor immediately
Risk Check
Currently, there are various methods depending on the severity of the disease. The best method is early detection. If you have any of the mentioned abnormalities, you should consult a specialist doctor for screening to ensure accurate and appropriate treatment.
Treatment of Thyroid Dysfunction
Treatment of thyroid disease depends on the severity of the disease and the individual characteristics of each patient, such as age, size of the thyroid gland, and duration of the disease. Generally, thyroid treatment has 3 forms as follows:
- Medication treatment This treatment takes about 1-2 years. Patients must take medication strictly and regularly to control thyroid gland function. If medication is not taken continuously, symptoms may worsen and become difficult to treat.
- Radioactive iodine treatment This method is usually considered for older patients with severe symptoms or those who relapse after previous medication treatment.
- Surgical treatment Surgery is considered as a last resort for patients with very severe symptoms, significantly enlarged thyroid gland, allergy to medications, or side effects on the blood and vascular system from medication or radioactive iodine treatment.
Dr. Sunee Jia
Specialist in Endocrinology and Metabolism
Diabetes and Endocrine Center, Phyathai 1 Hospital
