All you need to know - Thyroid Issues

Does fatigue drag you down day after day? Do you have brain fog, weight gain, chills, or hair loss? 
Or is the opposite true for you: Are you often revved up, sweaty, or anxious? 
Your thyroid gland could be to blame. 
This great regulator of body and mind sometimes goes haywire, particularly in women. 
Getting the right treatment is critical to feel your best and avoid serious health problems.

What is the thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the base of your neck. It releases hormones that control metabolism. The thyroid's hormones regulate vital body functions, including:
*Breathing
*Heart rate
*Central and peripheral nervous systems
*Body weight
*Muscle strength
*Menstrual cycles
*Body temperature
*Cholesterol levels

How does the thyroid gland work?
The thyroid gland uses iodine from the foods you eat to make two main hormones:
Triiodothyronine (T3)
Thyroxine (T4)
T3 and T4 travel in your bloodstream to reach almost every cell in the body. 
The hormones regulate the speed with which the metabolism works. 
Either the thyroid gland produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormone (hypothyroidism), resulting in your body using energy faster or slower than it should.

Symptoms of Thyroid gone Awry

Weight loss or gain
An unexplained change in weight is one of the most common signs of a thyroid disorder. 
Weight gain may signal low levels of thyroid hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism. 
In contrast, if the thyroid produces more hormones than the body needs, you may lose weight unexpectedly. This is known as hyperthyroidism. 
Hypothyroidism is far more common

Swelling in the neck
A swelling or enlargement in the neck is a visible clue that something may be wrong with the thyroid. 
A swelling may occur with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. 
Sometimes swelling in the neck can result from thyroid cancer or nodules, lumps that grow inside the thyroid. 
It can also be due to a cause unrelated to the thyroid. 
Consult your doctor if you do see a swelling in the neck.

Changes in heartrate
Thyroid hormones affect nearly every organ in the body and can influence how quickly the heart beats. 
People with hypothyroidism may notice their heart rate is slower than usual. 
Hyperthyroidism may cause the heart to speed up. 

Changes in mood or energy
Thyroid disorders can have a noticeable impact on your energy level and mood. 
Hypothyroidism tends to make people feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. 
Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, problems sleeping, restlessness, and irritability.

Hair loss
Hair loss is another sign that thyroid hormones may be out of balance. 
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair to fall out. 
In most cases, the hair will grow back once the thyroid disorder is treated.

Feeling too cold or too hot
Thyroid disorders can disrupt the ability to regulate body temperature. 
People with hypothyroidism may feel cold more often than usual. 
Hyperthyroidism tends to have the opposite effect, causing excessive sweating and an aversion to heat.

Other Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Dry skin 
Brittle Nails
Trouble Sleeping
Frequent, heavy periods
Joint and muscle pain

Other Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Vision Problems
Anxiety
Nervousness, hyperactivity
Trembling hands
Missed or light menstrual periods

Who should get tested?
If you think you have symptoms of a thyroid problem, ask your doctor if you should be tested. 
People with symptoms or risk factors may need tests more often. 
Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder in India, affecting 1 in 10 adults. 
A family history raises your risk of either disorder.

Diagnosing Thyroid Disorders
*If your doctor suspects a thyroid disorder, a blood test can help provide an answer. 
*This test measures the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), a kind of master hormone that regulates the work of the thyroid gland. 
*Along with TSH measurements , thyroid hormone levels are also analyzed. 
*If TSH is high, it typically means that your thyroid function is too low (hypothyroid). 
*If TSH is low, then it generally means the thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroid.) 
*In some cases, imaging studies are used, and biopsies are taken to evaluate a thyroid abnormality.

Treating Hypothyroidism
If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your doctor will most likely prescribe thyroid hormones in the form of a pill. 
This usually leads to noticeable improvements within a couple of weeks. 
Long-term treatment can result in more energy, lower cholesterol levels, and gradual weight loss. 
Most people with hypothyroidism will need to take thyroid hormones for the rest of their lives.

Treating Hyperthyroidism
A common treatment for hyperthyroidism is antithyroid medication, which aims to lower the amount of hormones produced by the thyroid. 
The condition may eventually go away, but many people need to remain on medication for the long term. 

Disclaimer: The advice provided is intended for informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.  Consult with your doctor if you’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.​