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Thyroid Disease
The thyroid gland creates thyroid hormones with iodine from your food to keep the body's metabolism functioning at a satisfactory rate.
A thyroid disorder occurs due to either excess production of hormone resulting in the body using energy faster than it should (hyperthyroidism), or not enough hormone resulting in the body using energy slower than it should (hypothyroidism).
Possible causes for thyroid disease:
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, which regulates metabolic processes.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces less hormones. This can happen due to iodine deficiency or Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune disorder.
Another thyroid disorder is hyperthyroidism, in which the production of hormones is too high. This may be caused by Grave’s Disease or a hyperactive thyroid gland. Another cause could be certain medications that contain excessive iodine, which disturbs the thyroid gland.
Risk Factors for thyroid disease:
Risk factors for thyroid disorders include:
- Women are five to eight times more likely to suffer from thyroid disorders than men.
- Hereditary.
- Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or any other autoimmune disorder.
- Any medication, surgery or treatment that may have disturbed the thyroid functioning.
- Family history.
Hypothyroidism is seen mainly in women above the age of 50.
Thyroid disease signs & symptoms:
The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary depending on the extent of the problem. These symptoms develop slowly and patients often mistake them to be due to other causes, such as aging or menopause. Thyroid disease symptoms could include:
- Weight gain.
- Fatigue.
- Increased sensitivity to cold.
- Constipation.
- Dry skin.
- Puffy face.
- Hoarseness.
- Muscle weakness.
- Increase in your cholesterol level.
- Muscle ache.
- Joint pain.
- Irregular menstrual cycle.
- Thinning hair.
- Slowed heart rate.
- Depression.
- Impaired memory.
- Enlarged thyroid gland, also called goitre.
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism can also be confused with other health conditions. Symptoms could include:
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) at over 100 beats a minute, or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or palpitations.
- Increased appetite.
- Nervousness, anxiety and irritability.
- Trembling in your hands and fingers.
- Sweating.
- Changes in menstrual patterns.
- Increased sensitivity to heat.
- Frequent bowel movements.
- Fatigue, muscle weakness.
- Difficulty in sleeping.
- Skin thinning.
- Fine, brittle hair.
- Goitre.
Thyroid disease diagnosis:
Thyroid disorders are diagnosed based on your symptoms and by a blood test that measures the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine. These will be conducted by qualified specialists at Medcare.
Thyroid treatment in Dubai & Sharjah:
Visit the Endocrinology clinic at Medcare to discuss your thyroid symptoms and cure options. Here the endocrinologist will prescribe oral medications that correct the levels of thyroid hormones.
You will notice that you start feeling better and the symptoms reduce with medication. Do schedule follow up visits as suggested by your specialist.
Thyroid disease FAQs:
Thyroid disease FAQs:
Inclusions:
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If my blood test shows a thyroid disorder, but the symptoms aren’t bothering me, do I still need to take medication?
A: Yes, it is very important that you take the treatment prescribed. Thyroid disorders that are not treated properly can lead to complications, including heart disease, brittle bones, eye problems and thyrotoxic crisis, or a sudden escalation of your symptoms. So do follow all the instructions given by your doctor, and also come for regular follow-up visits to Medcare.
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My hypothyroidism is now being treated. How much weight loss should I expect?
A: Once the treatment starts, you should go back to the weight that you were before hypothyroidism developed.
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What are the symptoms of thyroid problems in women?
A: While thyroid disorders occur in both sexes, women are five to eight times more likely than men to develop thyroid problems.
A thyroid check is advisable if you experience weight changes, abnormal blood pressure, change in your bowel habits, constant fatigue, depression, menstrual issues, changes in hair and skin and most important, difficulty in conceiving.
Having a family history of thyroid disorder also increases the risk for many women. While thyroid abnormality can be detected through a simple blood profile, every woman must be aware of the symptoms of thyroid disorders.
If you notice any unusual symptoms or have a family history of thyroid dysfunction, visit Medcare doctors today for a thorough evaluation.
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Is thyroid disorder a serious problem?
A: Most of the thyroid disorders, such as goitre, are harmless and are not usually a cause for concern. However, they must be diagnosed on time and properly managed. Having said that, some thyroid disorders, such as thyroid cancer, can be dangerous and require intensive management.
If left untreated, thyroid disorders could cause various complications like swallowing difficulties, breathing issues, high cholesterol and infertility, among others.
It is also important to remember that once diagnosed with a thyroid condition, you will need in most cases lifelong medical follow-ups to ensure that your thyroid is under control.
Need effective treatment for a thyroid disorder? Meet Medcare's team of specialists today.
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Can Thyroid be cured?
A: The thyroid can be controlled with the right treatment. As far as treatment for hyperthyroid or hypothyroid disorder is concerned, it can be treated either by providing the hormone orally, controlling its excessive release, depending on the case. This controls the effects of thyroid disorder on your body, but can't cure it completely.
For instance, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition that can cause hypothyroidism, where the secretion of the thyroid hormone is inadequate. In such cases, patients are treated with hormone pills to restore their hormonal levels. However, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis itself is not cured.
The best way to manage thyroid disorders is lifelong medication and regular follow-ups to ensure normal functioning for yourself.
For a better understanding of your treatment options, consult a specialist at Medcare today.
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What is the best treatment for thyroid disorder?
A: The choice of thyroid treatment depends upon the cause of your thyroid disorder and its severity.
To manage hyperthyroidism, radioactive iodine treatment or anti-thyroid medication is recommended to slow down the production of the thyroid hormone. In the case of hypothyroidism, synthetic hormone pills are usually prescribed, which the patient must take throughout their life as no drug, surgery or medicine can boost the thyroid once it slows down.
Surgery to remove the thyroid gland is also an option but is required only in a few cases like having a large goitre, a hyperfunctioning nodule within the gland or thyroid cancer. In addition to your treatment, make sure to include a proper diet, supplements and special exercises in your routine.
Consult Medcare specialists to ensure the right treatment for your thyroid disorder.
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When should I see a doctor about my thyroid disorder?
A: While getting regular blood profile tests done is always important, you should see a doctor if you experience any symptoms of thyroid. These may include noticeable changes in your energy levels, intolerance to cold or hot weather, weight fluctuations, changes in bowel habits and irregular menstrual cycles.
However, sometimes, thyroid abnormality doesn't give rise to any specific symptoms but non-specific symptoms such as sleep problems, irritability, etc. In these cases, you must be proactive and consult your doctor instead of deeming them as general issues.
Remember, thyroid disorders can be managed well if diagnosed soon. So keep a check on your body changes and consult a doctor as soon as you notice any thyroid symptoms.
Book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today and get tested for thyroid disorder diagnosis and management.
