Everything about Different Types of Thyroid Disease

We keep hearing about our kith and kin having thyroid problems, but what exactly is thyroid? It is a gland that resides at the front of your neck. It is shaped like a butterfly, and hence, is also known as the butterfly gland. When it comes to metabolism, the thyroid gland has an integral role to play. It regulates growth and development, in addition to other functions, by maintaining a constant flow of hormones in the bloodstream. In harsh conditions, when your body needs energy, the thyroid gland keeps releasing hormones to keep you going. This is specifically helpful during pregnancy and when you visit extremely cold conditions.

The thyroid gland has numerous disorders associated with it, from easily treatable to considerably harmful ones; this gland is small but has a massive role in keeping you healthy. This page provides an overview of thyroid diseases. Have a read and know how thyroid types have an impact on your body and how to keep them in control.

Common Types of Thyroid Disease We Should Know About

There are different types of the thyroid disease that are diagnosed every year among numerous people, but two types of the thyroid disease are most common. The first one is hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism is the other one. Let’s learn about these 2 types of the thyroid disease to understand them better.

Hypothyroidism

This is one of the two types of the thyroid disease seen when your thyroid gland produces low amounts of thyroid hormones. In short, your thyroid gland is underactive. This means many of the functions of your body are at a halt or slowed down. As previously discussed, the gland is responsible for regulating energy, indicating a notable effect on all organs, including your heart. Notably, 5 out of 100 people in America are diagnosed with hypothyroidism at the age of 12 years or above. People with specific medical histories are highly likely to have hypothyroidism. Some of such conditions include goitre, thyroid surgery, and radiation therapy on the thyroid. Plus, people with a family history of hypothyroidism or any other thyroid problem also can face this condition. Although most patients experience mild effects without many symptoms, the condition should not be kept untreated.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

People witness an array of thyroid types and symptoms; when it comes to hypothyroidism, these are some of the common symptoms.

• People are fatigued even if they do not indulge in many simultaneous things to do.
• Weight gain is common among people facing hypothyroidism as their metabolism becomes slower than usual.
• As your energy levers reduce in in this condition, you cannot tolerate cold.
• Hair thinning and flaky skin are also common.
• The pulse rate is very low.
• Joint and muscle pain can prevail for a long time.
• Women can have irregular periods and fertility issues.
• Depression rates are high in this condition.

Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can be detected by going through a small blood test. Doctors recommend this test based on your symptoms and thyroid gland shape. Imaging tests are also prescribed to get further details about its effects on the body. Women who have fertility issues are also tested for the same, as it can cease them from getting pregnant.

Treating Hypothyroidism

This is one of the most common types of the thyroid disease and is frequently treated by replacing thyroid hormones that the gland is unable to synthesise. Doctors prescribe levothyroxine, which is identical to the hormones your thyroid produces. These are available in the form of pills or soft gel capsules. Some variants are also available in the syrup form. After having this medicine for 6 to 8 weeks, you must get tested again to see if the medicine is working. You have to be under treatment for all your life to keep this condition in check.

Hyperthyroidism

This is just the opposite of hypothyroidism. In this condition, your thyroid gland is overactive. It secretes more than normal thyroid hormones speeding up our metabolism. But is that a bad thing? It indeed is. When we have a higher than usual metabolism rate, it automatically leads to a fast heartbeat, which can induce blood clot and ultimately causes stroke and heart failure. With that, it is associated with Grave’s ophthalmopathy. In rare cases, especially women face thinning of bones, a condition called osteoporosis. Hypothyroidism also hampers the menstrual cycle and raises the chances of infertility.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism symptoms differ from one person to another. Below are a few of the usual symptoms that most patients show.

• An irregular heartbeat that keeps increasing and decreasing.
• Rapid weight loss is a common thyroid body type problem even after having a good appetite.
• Sleeplessness and fatigue are common in this condition.
• Frequent bowel movement leads to frequent excretion.
• It can also cause eye pain and double eye vision.
• Occurrence of goitre, enlargement of our neck.
• Irregular menstrual cycle among women.
• Palpitation and tremors are visible among people with hyperthyroidism.

Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism

A blood test is the initial diagnostic measure preferred for testing the condition of hyperthyroidism. The levels of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones are measured in this test; measuring the levels of the thyroid stimulating hormone is also essential. An iodine uptake scan is another test that helps in assessing thyroid activity by checking the amounts of iodine the thyroid is taking up. A thyroid scan is another way to detect how the gland functions. This is recommended simultaneously with the iodine test.

Treating Hyperthyroidism

As per the severity of your condition, the treatment for hyperthyroidism can range from taking medication to undergoing surgery. Anti-thyroid drugs that are commonly prescribed by endocrinologists to treat hyperthyroidism include propylthiouracil (PTU and methimazole).

It is mostly taken in the form of a pill and works to reduce the secretion of thyroxine. Beta-blockers can also help diminish the symptoms related to hyperthyroidism, including palpitations, anxiety, and tremors. Surgery may be recommended if your symptoms are severe. During this procedure, a part or all of the thyroid gland is removed, which stops the overproduction of thyroxine.

Rare Thyroid Diseases

Excluding the common types of the thyroid disease, many other health conditions prevail worldwide. Some of them are discussed further.

Hashimoto’s Disease

This is an autoimmune disease denoted by the presence of inflammation in the thyroid. This can subsequently lead to goitre. This disease occurs when your immune system considers your own thyroid cells to be foreign and keeps fighting them instead of pathogens. As a result, your healthy cells are damaged, and thyroid function gets halted or hampered.

Thyroid Cancer

This happens when cancerous cells start growing in the thyroid gland tissues. People who have been exposed to some radiation are prone to thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is of four types, which are differentiated according to the location of malignant cell growth. The signs of thyroid cancer include a lumpy neck or a swollen gland. It can be diagnosed through a blood test.

Thyroid Tumours

These are adenomas and nodule growth that are non-cancerous in nature. This occurs as a result of the irregular growth of cells on the inner surface of the gland. In many cases, thyroid tumours may cause hyperthyroidism because the adenoma starts secreting thyroid hormone. To treat this condition, one needs to go through thyroid surgery to remove the overactive nodules.

Postpartum Thyroiditis

When you are diagnosed with an inflamed thyroid gland after giving birth, it is termed postpartum thyroiditis. You can subsequently face hypo or hyperthyroidism. However, this might not last throughout life. Most of the women recover within 18 months from the start of treatment.

The thyroid gland regulates many functions in your body, so keeping it healthy is crucial. While many of the associated conditions have major health implications, most have a well-designed treatment to maintain the hormone levels under control. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, being the most frequently occurring thyroid-associated issues, should always be taken care of. Through regular check-ups and medication, following a healthy life is certainly possible.