The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, and while it may be small, its impact on your overall health is significant. This vital gland plays a crucial role in regulating various metabolic processes in the body, including energy production and hormone balance. When the thyroid doesn't function correctly, it can lead to a range of disorders that can affect your well-being. In this article, we will delve into the causes, types, and management of thyroid disorders.


Different Types Of Thyroid Disorders:


Thyroid disorders can arise from a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, autoimmune diseases, iodine deficiency, and certain medications. In addition, environmental factors and stress may also contribute to thyroid dysfunction. Grasping the root causes of these conditions is essential for ensuring effective management.


Dr. Saurav Shishir Agrawal, who is a Consultant - Endocrinology & Diabetes, at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospitals listed the following types of thyroid disorders.

Hypothyroidism:



  • In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is underactive, resulting in insufficient production of thyroid hormones.

  • Typical symptoms encompass fatigue, intolerance to cold, weight gain, hair fall, lethargy, menstrual irregularities in females and short stature in children.

  • Causes may include autoimmune conditions (like Hashimoto's thyroiditis), iodine deficiency, or surgical removal of the thyroid.


Hyperthyroidism:



  • Hyperthyroidism is characterised by an overactive thyroid gland, leading to excessive production of thyroid hormones.

  • Symptoms can comprise weight loss, palpitations, nervousness, and a lack of tolerance to heat.

  • Graves' disease is a common autoimmune cause of hyperthyroidism.


Thyroid Nodules:



  • Nodules are irregular growths or masses that develop within the thyroid gland.

  • Although the majority of nodules are non-cancerous, a few may exhibit malignant characteristics.

  • Risk factors include age, gender, and exposure to radiation.


Causes Of Hypothyroidism And Hyperthyroidism:


Beginning with hypothyroidism, Dr. Vidya Tickoo who is a Consultant Endocrinologist & Diabetologist at Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad said, "Hypothyroidism is a condition in which our body produces less thyroid hormone than is required. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is autoimmune, called Hashimoto thyroiditis, that is, our body produces antibodies that destroys our own thyroid gland. This can have a genetic component, and a lot of people with autoimmune hypothyroidism have a family history of the same. The risk factors for this can be childhood obesity, smoking, viral infections."


"Another cause of hypothyroidism is iodine deficiency, which had declined to a large extent due to fortification of salt with iodine, but a new 'trend' of having pink salt or iodine free salt might become a reason again of hypothyroidism. Some medicines like some anticancer drugs and amiodarone that is used to treat heart arrythmias can also cause hypothyroidism. An interesting factor coming up now a days is substances in our environment or 'endocrine disruptors' which are present in plastics/ cosmetics / pesticides etc which can also cause destruction of thyroid gland," she added.


Talking about hyperthyroidism, she said, "It happens when the body produces excess thyroid hormone is the next frequency encountered thyroid disorder. It can also be caused by an autoimmune process (Graves disease) which can be caused by stress, smoking, high iodine intake. Sometimes, there can be a viral infection that causes a temporary high thyroid hormone in the body along with neck pain and usually resolves on its own. Thyroid nodules, again faced by a lot of people, are mostly benign, that is non cancerous in 95 percent cases, in 5 percent cases, they can have cancer, which is relatively easily cured if treated at early stage."

Diagnostic Tests:


Dr Anurag Bansal, who is a technical director at Agilus Diagnostics Ltd said, "Diagnostic tests are essential to understand the complexities of different thyroid disorders. Basic Thyroid Function Tests like TSH, Total and Free T3, Total and Free T4 unveil hormonal imbalances, while Thyroid Antibody Tests pinpoint autoimmune involvement."

 

Here are a few of them listed by him:



  • The Radioactive Iodine Uptake (RAIU) Test elucidates thyroid dysfunction origins, and Ultrasound discerns structural anomalies. 

  • Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy provides a microscopic lens, aiding in the critical differentiation of benign and malignant nodules. 

  • Thyroid test findings, guided by clinical insight, shape precise pathways for tailored therapeutic interventions.



Important Of Screening For Maternal Thyroid Dysfunction During Pregnancy


During pregnancy, thyroid problems are common and can have a significant impact on both the mother and the baby. One of the most common issues is hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones. This can lead to complications such as preeclampsia, premature birth, and low birth weight. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland during pregnancy, can increase the risk of preterm birth and miscarriage.  Implementing routine screening protocols can help detect these subtle yet impactful conditions early on.


In this regard, Dr Rajesh Bendre, who is the National Technical Head & Chief Pathologist at Apollo Diagnostics, Delhi said, "The importance of screening for maternal thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy cannot be overstated. Thyroid hormones play a critical role in foetal brain development, making it crucial to ensure that the mother's thyroid levels are within the normal range during pregnancy. Studies have shown that untreated maternal thyroid dysfunction can lead to adverse effects on both the mother and the developing baby, including increased risk such as impaired neurodevelopment."


"By conducting early screening for thyroid dysfunction, it is possible to identify and initiate timely interventions to manage any abnormalities, thus reducing potential risks to both the mother and the unborn child.  As per the evidence available, even subclinical hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism in pregnant women may pose significant risks," he added.


Management Of Thyroid Disorders:


Talking about this, Dr. Saurav Shishir Agrawal listed the following ways to manage thyroid disorders.


Medication: 



  • Hypothyroidism is often managed with synthetic thyroid hormone replacement medications such as levothyroxine.

  • Hyperthyroidism may be treated with antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy or surgery in refractory cases.


Lifestyle Modifications:



  • A well-balanced diet with sufficient iodine is essential for thyroid health.

  • Stress management techniques, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can contribute to overall thyroid well-being.


Surgery:



  • In cases of thyroid nodules or cancer, surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland may be necessary.


Regular Monitoring:



  • Routine blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels are crucial for managing thyroid disorders.

  • Adjustments to medication or treatment plans may be necessary based on these monitoring results.


[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]