Thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the neck below the larynx, in front connected to the cartilage of the trachea. The thyroid has both left and right sides and functions to produce and secrete thyroid hormones into the bloodstream to regulate metabolism or the process of building up and breaking down (Metabolism) of various organs in the body, such as the body’s energy metabolism rate, control of energy levels within the body, regulation of body temperature, and excretion.
There are several types of thyroid disorders:
- Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland is overactive and abnormal.
Symptoms: Easily fatigued, hand tremors, palpitations, weight loss, frequent hunger, increased appetite, abnormal frequent bowel movements, hair loss, irregular menstruation, easily feeling hot, etc.
Treatment: Taking medication to reduce thyroid hormone, swallowing radioactive iodine mineral water to reduce thyroid gland activity and size. If the goiter is excessively large, surgery should be performed.
If untreated, it can cause easy fatigue, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, heart failure or heart attack, and pulmonary edema.
- Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces less hormone than normal or has inflammation, resulting in decreased hormone production.
Symptoms: Opposite to hyperthyroidism, including weight gain, loss of appetite, easy fatigue, frequent drowsiness, dry skin, constipation, easily feeling cold, etc.
Treatment: Supplementing thyroid hormone to normalize hormone levels in the body.
If untreated, it can cause weight gain, fluid accumulation in the pleural and pericardial cavities due to edema.
- Thyroid nodules or thyroid tumors are abnormal tissue growths with no clear cause.
Symptoms: May cause hoarseness, difficulty swallowing food or liquids due to the enlarged thyroid pressing on nearby neck organs.
Treatment: If the thyroid nodule is too large or there is a risk of malignancy, surgery should be performed. If untreated, it may lead to thyroid cancer.
- Thyroiditis is caused by viral or bacterial infections.
Symptoms: Pain in the thyroid area, may or may not have a lump, fever.
Treatment: Taking medication to reduce inflammation.
Basic thyroid disease screening methods
- Palpation to check if the thyroid gland is abnormally enlarged
- Check for exophthalmos or eye swelling
- Check for hand tremors
- Check pulse for abnormalities
- Blood test to measure thyroid hormone levels in the body
Groups at risk for “Thyroid Disease”
- Genetics: family history of thyroid disease
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Frequent sleep deprivation or insufficient rest
- High stress levels
