Take Charge of Your Health - Thyroid: Small But Mighty
I think people assume that having thyroid disease
means you're older and overweight,
but in reality, thyroid disease strikes at all ages and affects all sizes.
-Gena Lee Nolin
Fact: Thyroid Disease Affects 1 in 10 Americans. So what is the thyroid and what does it do? The thyroid gland is a small, 2" long, butterfly-shaped organ at the base of the neck and front of the throat with two wings (lobes) that extend around the throat and windpipe. The thyroid makes, releases, and controls hormones that impact many vital functions of the body including our breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, mood, and metabolism (the process that transforms food into energy). Given all that it does, the thyroid is one important organ!
The hormones created by the thyroid, (T3 and T4), tell the body’s cells how much energy to use. When the thyroid works properly, it maintains the right amount and balance of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones to keep the body’s metabolism working at the optimum rate and as these hormones are used, the thyroid creates the right levels of replacements. Correct functioning of the thyroid also depends upon the right supply of iodine in the diet.
There are a handful of primary thyroid conditions including goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland), thyroid cancer, thyroiditis (swelling of the thyroid), and hyper or hypothyroidism, that are important.
Hyperthyroidism (also called overactive thyroid) occurs when the body produces too much thyroid hormone and uses energy too quickly. Health conditions that can lead to hyperthyroidism include: Graves' disease - an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the thyroid gland; overactive thyroid nodules; and thyroiditis. Hyperthyroidism can lead to fatigue, make your heart beat faster, cause both weight loss and bone loss, disturb your sleep, trigger irregular menstrual cycles, and make you feel nervous. The most serious complications of hyperthyroidism are: heart problems, brittle bones, and vision issues.
Hypothyroidism (also called underactive thyroid) occurs when you have too little thyroid hormone. Health issues that can lead to hypothyroidism are: autoimmune diseases and Hashimoto’s disease; thyroid surgery that affects hormone production; radiation therapy; and thyroiditis, as well as certain medications. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include: fatigue, weight gain, constipation, heart issues, forgetfulness, dry skin/hair, muscle and joint pain, and susceptibility to the cold.
Thyroid disease is quite common with an estimated 20 million people in the U.S. having some kind of thyroid disease. A major concern is that approximately 60% of those patients are unaware of their condition. Many people dismiss early symptoms of thyroid disease such as fatigue, weight gain or loss, depression, brain fog, trouble tolerating heat and cold, and hair loss because they can also be signs associated with aging or other common health issues.
If you believe you have symptoms of a thyroid condition, it is best to talk with an endocrinologist or hormone specialist about testing for a diagnosis. Thyroid tests will check how well the thyroid is working and help identify the cause of conditions such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Thyroid testing includes blood tests, imaging tests, and in some cases, a biopsy.
Blood tests include:
A TSH blood test measures the thyroid-stimulating hormone
T3 and T4 blood tests measure the level of the different thyroid hormones in the blood. A high level of T4 and a low level of thyroid stimulating hormone is typical with hyperthyroidism whereas a high level of TSH and a low level of T4 is common with hypothyroidism.
A thyroid antidotes test measures certain thyroid markers in the blood
Imaging tests include:
CT scans
Ultrasound
Nuclear medical tests including a thyroid scan or radioactive iodine uptake test
Thyroid scan that uses small amounts of radioactive material to create a picture of the thyroid, showing its size, shape, and position. It can help find the cause of hyperthyroidism and check for thyroid nodules (lumps in the thyroid)
Radioactive iodine uptake test or thyroid uptake test helps determine how well your thyroid is working and can help find the cause of hyperthyroidism.
The treatment you receive depends on your type of thyroid disease. Treatments include:
Thyroid replacement medication: Synthetic thyroid hormones are effective for an underactive thyroid. The medication replaces the thyroid hormone and in turn, reduces or eliminates symptoms.
Anti-thyroid drugs prevent the thyroid from producing excessive amounts of hormones
Radioactive iodine limits the amount of hormone the thyroid produces
Beta-blockers control the symptoms of overactive thyroid
Surgery - some people do require a thyroidectomy to remove the thyroid and then take thyroid replacement hormones.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is wise to schedule an appointment with your medical provider:
Have a lump on either side of your larynx or swelling in the neck
Feel significant fatigue
Experience weight loss or gain without any significant dietary or lifestyle changes
Constantly feel hot or cold
Experience depression, anxiety, or nervousness
The good news is that thyroid disease is manageable and early diagnosis and intervention can improve your symptoms and health outcome.