We’ve all heard the talk about the thyroid and we know that if it’s not working properly, we can feel bad. But do you know why we have it in common, what is his role, and how can he tell if there is something wrong? Most people don’t.
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland. It is located in the front of the neck below the voice box. It contains a gel-like substance and is surrounded by a single layer of cells. This gland produces a hormone. This hormone helps regulate growth, metabolism and energy levels.
Thyroid problems are common. But most of the signs of time will appear little by little over time. The easier it is to misdiagnose. The three most common problems are: an underactive thyroid, an overactive thyroid, and a thyroid nodule.
An under-active thyroid is also called hypothyroidism. In this condition, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the gland. Usually the level of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is elevated. A rare patient with an underactive thyroid may have normal or lowTSH due to a pituitary condition.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism can be any of the following or a combination of the following:
Work or idleness
Weight gain
Feeling cool
Dry skin and hair
Heavy periods
Constipation
thinking slowed down
The treatment is simple. Thyroid hormones are given in daily form. Symptoms usually clear up in a few months. But the patient asks for blood tests to check their TSH levels and is usually used to stay on medication for life. .
An over-active thyroid is also called hyperthyroidism. The most common cause of this disease is serious. When a serious illness occurs, the body’s immune systems is activated by the thyroid gland. When you have hyperthyroidism, your T4 free hormone level is elevated and your TSH level is low.
Symptoms of an over-active thyroid may be any of the following or a combination of the following:
Jitteriness, shaking and nervousness
Rapid heart beat or palpitations
Feeling hot
Weight loss
Fatigue, feeling tired
The most common bowel movements
Shorter, lighter periods
He may also have eye problems such as irritation, double vision, etc. When it occurs, it is called Severe Ophthalmopathy. .
Sometimes doctors may first suspect cancer or heart problems in patients who are actually suffering from hyperthyroidism.
A thyroid scan should be performed to make sure the hyperthyroidism is actually caused by a serious illness and not another condition.
Treatment is usually radioactive iodine. This is the radiation treatment from the thyroid gland. The main effect side effects is that the patient begins to suffer from hypothyroidism. Sometimes drugs are given. But it takes six to twelve months before symptoms improve and 60 to 80% of patients suffer a relapse. As a last resort surgery may be performed to remove part of the thyroid gland.
Finally, a common problem with thyroid is thyroid nodules or masses
These nodules are quite common and usually simple. Only about 4% are ever cancerous. But further testing should be done if you have them.
It is usually tested by fine needle aspiration biopsy. This is a simple and quick procedure that can be performed in a doctor’s office. Even if the biopsy is found to be non-cancerous, it must be repeated every 6 to 12 months to make sure that cancer does not appear.
If it comes back like cancer or if it causes you problems with breathing or swallowing, it should be surgically removed. .
Our thyroid gland is very large. As you can see, if the thyroid hormones are not working properly, it can cause us some problems. Your doctor can tell you how to have your thyroid hormones tested. Of course, if thyroid problems run in your home, you should tell your doctor. Heredity, as you know, plays a part in all our health.
So the next time you look at your neck in the mirror, you’ll know where the joint is located and how important it is to working well.
