Key Thyroid Disorders and Their Impact on Health
The thyroid gland is an endocrine ductless gland located in the front of the neck. The function of the thyroid is to produce thyroid hormones that are secreted into the blood and then transfer to any tissue in the body. Thyroid hormones help the body use fuel, stay warm, and keep working the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs as they should. A thyroid that works properly will maintain the right amount of hormones needed to keep the metabolism of the body working at a satisfactory rate. As hormones are used, replacements are created by the thyroid. The pituitary gland monitors and controls the number of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. Some of the common thyroid problems are:
Goitre
A goitre is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. Most cases are classified as ‘ simple ‘ goitres that do not involve inflammation or any harm to thyroid function and do not produce any symptoms. Some people experience a little swelling. Others may have significant swelling that restricts the trachea and causes problems with breathing. The diagnosis of goitre is usually made when a thyroid enlargement is detected at the time of physical examination. The presence of goitre, however, indicates that the thyroid gland is abnormal. It is therefore important to determine the goitre’s origin. As a first stage, thyroid function tests are likely to assess if the thyroid is underactive or overactive. The results of the thyroid function tests will depend on any subsequent tests performed. Goitre can be caused by a number of conditions as mentioned below -
Iodine Deficiency
Deficiency of iodine is a problem that is affecting approximately 100 million people around the world. In order to produce thyroid hormones, the thyroid gland needs iodine to regulate metabolism. If the gland does not have enough iodine, it can not produce enough thyroid hormone. In the brain, the pituitary gland, therefore, senses the significantly low levels of the thyroid hormone and transmits a signal to the thyroid. The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is named this signal. This hormone, as the name suggests, incites the thyroid to produce thyroid hormone and to increase in size. In a number of drugs and some cough syrups, excessive iodine may cause the thyroid to produce either too much or too little hormone in some individuals. Luckily, by increasing the consumption of iodine, most cases can be treated.
Autoimmune Disease
Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are a more common cause of goitre formation in developed countries.
Another cause of goitre is hyperthyroidism or a hyperactive thyroid gland. It produces too much thyroid hormone. This usually results from the disease of Graves, an autoimmune disorder in which the immunity of the body turns on itself and attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to swell.
Other Causes
There are many other less common causes besides the common causes of a goitre. Some of these are caused by genetic defects, others are associated with thyroid injury or infection, and some are caused by tumours (cancer and benign tumours).
Thyroid Cancer
It is a very common form of cancer. However, a patient with thyroid cancer has a fairly high chance of survival compared to other forms of cancer. Typically, thyroid cancer does not cause any early symptoms or signs of the disease. As cancer grows, it can cause a mass/lump which can be sensed/felt through the neck’s skin which changes your voice, along with increased heaviness, trouble swallowing, pain in the neck and swollen neck lymph nodes.
There are Four Kinds of Thyroid Cancers, Namely:
Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Papillary thyroid cancer, thyroid cancer’s most common form, originates from follicular cells. These cells generate and store thyroid hormones. Papillary thyroid cancer may happen at any age, but has a tendency to affect people between the ages of 30 and 50.
Follicular Thyroid Cancer
This cancer also develops from thyroid follicular cells typically affecting people over 50 years of age.
Medullary Cancer
In thyroid cells called C cells producing hormone calcitonin, medullary thyroid cancer begins. At an early age, high calcitonin levels in the blood may indicate cancer of the medullary thyroid. Some genetic syndromes enhance the danger of medullary thyroid cancer, as this genetic connection is rare.
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a rare cancer which develops quickly and is very hard to treat.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism may be a common disorder, also referred to as underactive thyroid disease. The thyroid gland does not contain enough thyroid hormone with hypothyroidism. The thyroid stimulates how the cells in your body use food energy, through a process called metabolism. Your metabolism affects the temperature of your body, your heartbeat, and how well you burn calories, among other things. If your thyroid hormone is not adequate, the body will slow down.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the commonest explanation for hypothyroidism. “Thyroiditis” is the thyroid gland’s inflammation. Thyroiditis of Hashimoto is an autoimmune disorder. Your body produces antibodies with Hashimoto that helps to destroy the thyroid gland and attack it. Treatment consists of thyroid hormone replacement. Normal hypothyroidism treatment involves the routine use of levothyroxine (Levo-T, Synthroid, others) synthetic thyroid hormone. The oral medication restores sufficient levels of hormones and reverses signs and symptoms. Extremely low thyroid hormone levels can lead to a life-threatening condition called myxedema. A person with myxedema can lose consciousness or go into a coma.
Causes of Hyperthyroidism
This condition is caused by the excessive production of a hormone called thyroxine. The symptoms become more obvious because of the increase in the degree of hyperthyroidism. An increase in the metabolic rate of the body are some of the related symptoms. Some of the hyperthyroidism symptoms include nervousness, irritability, increased suddenness, heart racing, handshaking, anxiety, sleeping difficulties, skin thinning, fine brittle hair, and muscle weakness — especially in the upper arms and thighs, intolerance to heat, and frequent bowel movements. Hyperthyroidism can speed up the metabolism of your body, resulting in unintended weight loss and rapid or irregular heartbeat.
A Few Common Causes of Hyperthyroidism are:
Graves’ Disease
Excessive intake of thyroid hormones
Toxic multinodular goitre (TMNG) and Functioning adenoma
Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland)
Abnormal secretion of TSH
Excessive intake of iodine
Many therapies for hyperthyroidism are available. Doctors are using anti-thyroid and radioactive iodine drugs to suppress thyroid hormone development. Treatment for hyperthyroidism sometimes involves surgery to remove your thyroid gland entirely or partly.
Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules can be termed as the lumps that are filled with solid or fluid that develops within the thyroid in our body. Thyroid nodules are most commonly found on health care providers’ routine check-ups or on the basis of x-ray studies obtained for other reasons. Large nodules or a multinodular goiter — a thyroid gland enlargement containing multiple distinct nodules — may interfere with swallowing or breathing. Treatment depends on the type of nodule you have. Treatments include:
1. Waiting Vigilantly
If your nodule isn’t cancerous, your doctor might just decide to look at your condition. You are going to get regular physical tests, blood tests, and maybe ultrasound tests for thyroid. You may not need further treatment if your nodule does not change.
2. Surgery
Surgery may be required to remove the nodules. Treatment depends on the type of nodule you have. It may become necessary to operate to take out nodules that may be cancerous or large nodules that cause problems breathing or swallowing.
3. Radioiodine
If you have nodules that make too much thyroid hormone, this type of treatment is helpful. The nodules shrink and lower thyroid hormone levels with the effect of Radioiodine. The thyroid gland is a vital hormone gland performing a critical role in the growth, metabolism and development of the body. The health of the thyroid gland, therefore, needs to be under check and maintained.
FAQs on Thyroid Problems: What Every Student Should Know
1. What is the thyroid gland and what is its primary function in the human body?
The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the front of the neck, shaped like a butterfly. Its primary function is to produce, store, and release two crucial hormones into the bloodstream: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones regulate the body's metabolism, influencing heart rate, body temperature, energy utilisation, and the normal functioning of the brain, heart, and muscles.
2. What are the main types of thyroid problems discussed in the CBSE syllabus?
The two main types of thyroid problems are based on hormonal output: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), where the gland doesn't produce enough hormones, and Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), where it produces too much. Both conditions disrupt the body's metabolic balance and are caused by various factors, including autoimmune diseases and iodine deficiency.
3. What is hypothyroidism and what are its common symptoms?
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is a condition where the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormones. This slows down the body's metabolic processes. According to the NCERT syllabus, key symptoms include:
- Unexplained weight gain and difficulty losing weight.
- Constant fatigue and lethargy.
- Increased sensitivity to cold.
- Dry skin and hair thinning.
- Constipation and muscle weakness.
- Irregular menstrual cycles in females.
4. What is hyperthyroidism and how does it differ from hypothyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, is the opposite of hypothyroidism. It occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormones, accelerating the body's metabolism. The key difference lies in the symptoms, which reflect a sped-up system and include:
- Unintentional weight loss despite an increased appetite.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations).
- Increased sensitivity to heat and excessive sweating.
- Anxiety, nervousness, and irritability.
- Tremors, particularly in the hands.
- An enlarged thyroid gland, known as a goitre.
5. What are the common causes of thyroid problems?
Thyroid problems can arise from several causes. The most common are autoimmune disorders, where the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland. For example, Hashimoto's disease is a primary cause of hypothyroidism, while Grave's disease is a leading cause of hyperthyroidism. Another significant cause, particularly relevant to the CBSE syllabus, is a dietary deficiency of iodine, which is essential for synthesising thyroid hormones and can lead to goitre and hypothyroidism.
6. Why is iodine essential for thyroid function, as per the NCERT curriculum?
Iodine is a critical component for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). The thyroid gland actively absorbs iodine from the blood to produce these hormones. Without sufficient iodine, the thyroid cannot produce enough hormones, leading to hypothyroidism. In response, the pituitary gland releases more Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) to stimulate the thyroid, causing it to enlarge in an attempt to compensate. This enlargement results in a visible swelling in the neck called a goitre.
7. How can thyroid problems affect a person's mood and mental state?
Yes, thyroid hormones have a significant impact on brain chemistry and function, directly affecting mood. Hyperthyroidism can overstimulate the nervous system, leading to anxiety, irritability, nervousness, and mood swings. Conversely, hypothyroidism can slow down brain function, often causing symptoms of depression, difficulty concentrating (brain fog), and persistent fatigue. These neurological symptoms are often early indicators of a thyroid imbalance.
8. What is the difference between Grave's disease and Hashimoto's disease?
Both are autoimmune disorders affecting the thyroid, but they have opposite effects. Grave's disease causes hyperthyroidism; the immune system produces antibodies that mimic TSH, causing the thyroid to overproduce hormones. A classic sign is bulging eyes, known as exophthalmos. In contrast, Hashimoto's disease causes hypothyroidism; the immune system attacks and destroys thyroid tissue, reducing its ability to produce hormones over time.
9. Are thyroid problems considered a serious health issue?
While most thyroid conditions are manageable with proper diagnosis and treatment, they can become serious if left untreated. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to severe complications like heart problems, infertility, and in rare cases, a life-threatening condition called myxedema coma. Untreated hyperthyroidism can cause heart failure, osteoporosis, and a dangerous condition known as a thyroid storm. Therefore, early diagnosis and consistent management are crucial.
10. How are thyroid disorders typically diagnosed from a biological perspective?
From a biological and diagnostic standpoint, thyroid function is primarily assessed through blood tests that measure the levels of specific hormones. The most important test measures Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which is produced by the pituitary gland. High TSH levels usually indicate hypothyroidism (the pituitary is working harder to stimulate a lazy thyroid), while low TSH levels suggest hyperthyroidism (the pituitary is suppressed by excess thyroid hormone). Doctors may also measure the levels of free T4 and T3 to confirm the diagnosis.
