Thyroid Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
A small gland, the thyroid in the human body is found in the neck just below Adam’s apple. It is an endocrine gland that performs the important function of releasing hormones that increase the levels of oxygen needed for important body functions and more protein production. In this way, the thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating the metabolic rate of the organs in the body.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain, usually controls thyroid gland. As a result, the regulating hormone will “switch off” the production of TSH when the body’s level of thyroid hormones is high. Thyroid diseases occur when the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism). Let’s look at both of these disorders in a little more detail:
Types of Thyroid Disease
Thyroid disease refers to many conditions that affect the ability of the thyroid gland to function correctly. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism. Some common types of thyroid diseases are:
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
- Occurs when the thyroid produces insufficient hormones.
- Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and depression.
- Common cause: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition.
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
- Characterized by excessive hormone production by the thyroid gland.
- Symptoms include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and heat intolerance.
- Common cause: Graves’ disease, another autoimmune condition.
Thyroid Nodules
- Lumps or growths in the thyroid gland, often benign.
- Some nodules may produce excess hormones or become cancerous.
Thyroid Cancer
- A malignant condition affecting the thyroid gland.
- Types include papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
- An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid.
- Often leads to hypothyroidism over time.
Graves’ Disease
- A common cause of hyperthyroidism, where antibodies stimulate the thyroid to produce more hormones.
- May involve symptoms like bulging eyes (Graves’ ophthalmopathy).
Postpartum Thyroiditis
- Temporary thyroid dysfunction occurring after childbirth.
- Can lead to transient hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Causes of Thyroid Disease
There are several different causes of thyroid disorders, from genetic factors to environmental contributors. Below are some of the most common causes:
Autoimmune Disorders:
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: This is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system inadvertently attacks the thyroid gland, resulting in hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
- Graves’ Disease: The other major dual thyroid problem autoimmunism is Graves’ (reversed Hashimoto’s), where the thyroid is too active. In this case, the immune system prompts the thyroid to overproduce thyroid hormone.
- Iodine Deficiency: Iodine is critical for the production of thyroid hormone. Iodine deficiency can result in hypothyroidism and, in some cases, the development of goitre (enlarged thyroid). In iodine-deficient parts of the world, it is a leading cause of thyroid disease.
- Genetic Factors: A family history of thyroid disease may increase your risk of developing a thyroid disorder. Some conditions, such as Graves’ disease, have genetic factors that predispose some people to them.
- Thyroiditis (Inflammation of the Thyroid): The thyroid gland can become inflamed from infections, certain medications, or post-pregnancy ( as in postpartum thyroiditis) and can be underlying to either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
- Radiation Exposure: Exposure to radiation, particularly in childhood (such as radiation therapy to the neck or head region for cancer), raises the risk of thyroid disease, including thyroid cancer.
- Pregnancy: Thyroid problems can also be triggered by pregnancy, postpartum thyroiditis or thyroid function changes. Other examples can include hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism in the first months after giving birth.
- Thyroid Nodules or Tumors: Benign thyroid nodules sometimes secrete hormones and can result in hyperthyroidism. The thyroid, while less directly connected to the reproductive system, can also give rise to cancers (though in early stages, these often cause few symptoms).
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Deficiencies in specific vitamins and minerals — particularly selenium and zinc — can impair thyroid function. Both are essential for thyroid hormone synthesis and conversion.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disease
People with thyroid disease may suffer from various symptoms. Unfortunately, the symptoms of a thyroid disorder are usually confused with those of other medical disorders and stages of life. This can make it difficult to understand if the symptoms are related to thyroid problems or other health problems.
Thyroid disease symptoms can be classified into two categories: hyperthyroidism (caused by having too much thyroid hormone) and hypothyroidism (caused by having too little thyroid hormone).
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) can include:
- Having muscle weakness
- Experiencing irritability, anxiety, and nervousness
- Losing weight
- Feeling sensitive to heat
- Having difficulty sleeping
- Having eye irritation or vision problems
- Experiencing irregular menstrual periods
- Having a goiter or an enlarged thyroid gland.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) can include
- Feeling tired (fatigue)
- Having a hoarse voice
- Experiencing forgetfulness
- Experiencing an intolerance to cold temperatures
- Having frequent and heavy menstrual periods
- Gaining weight
- Having dry and coarse hair
Treatment of Thyroid Disease
Treatment for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism must be entirely different from one another. Let’s look at the treatment measures:
- Anti-thyroid medications: These medications can aid to prevent the thyroid from producing excess amounts of the thyroid hormones.
- Radioactive iodine: This treatment causes thyroid cell damage, preventing them from producing high levels of thyroid hormones.
- Beta blockers: These treatments do not change the amount of hormones in the body, but they help with symptom management.
- Thyroid Surgery: Operation to remove all or a portion of your thyroid gland is known as a thyroidectomy.
The main treatment for hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormone levels, is: Thyroid replacement medication: This is a synthetic (man-made) way to replenish the body’s supply of thyroid hormones. Levothyroxine is one such regularly used medication. You can control thyroid disease and lead a normal life by taking thyroid medicines.
Preventions of Thyroid Disease
Although thyroid diseases cannot always be prevented entirely, there are some ways you can reduce risk factors and maintain proper thyroid health. Here are some necessary preventive measures:
- Follow a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced and healthy diet containing sufficient iodine as it is a mineral that is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone. Iodine is found in foods such as iodized salt, dairy and seafood. Thyroid health is also supported by these foods high in vitamins and minerals, including selenium and zinc.
- Regular Check-ups: Visiting your healthcare provider regularly for check-ups can help identify any early signs or symptoms, particularly if you have a family history of thyroid disease. Routine blood tests such as TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) levels will help assess thyroid function.
- Exercise as Stress Management: Regular exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle and may make a general contribution to thyroid function. Stress management through practices like meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises can help reduce the risk of thyroid dysfunction, as chronic stress could interfere with thyroid function.
- Reduce Your Exposure to Environmental Toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides and heavy metals, has been linked to thyroid disorders. The big takeaway is to minimize your exposure to environmental toxins where you can.
