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What Happens to Your Body When Your Thyroid Is Out of Balance?

What Happens to Your Body When Your Thyroid Is Out of Balance?

May 2022

Have you recently felt more tired than usual, or have you been struggling with your weight? A thyroid imbalance could be the culprit.

Thyroid disorders affect 42 million people in India, with hypothyroidism being the most common, affecting one in every ten adults. An underactive thyroid can wreak havoc on your body and your overall health.

A butterfly-shaped gland in your neck is located just above your collarbone. That is your thyroid gland. It produces thyroid hormone, which regulates many bodily functions, including how quickly you burn calories and how fast your heart beats, all of which are part of your metabolism. Thyroid disorders cause the gland to produce either too much or too little hormone.

Read also: What is the relevance and importance of a CBC test?

Hyperthyroidism

Hypothyroidism causes the body's metabolism and other functions to slow down. It is usually caused by Hashimoto's disease, in which the immune system misidentifies the thyroid and attacks it until it is too damaged to produce enough hormone. Hormone replacement therapy is commonly used in treatment. You may also experience the following symptoms, but not all of them:

  • Feeling cold when others are not
  • Weight gain despite the fact that you are not eating more food
  • Sadness or depression
  • Pale, parched skin
  • thinning, dry hair
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • High LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol, can increase your risk of heart disease.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid produces more thyroid hormone than your body requires. Many of your body's functions, such as metabolism and heart rate, are accelerated as a result. Some, but not all, hyperthyroidism symptoms include:

  • Feeling hot when others are not
  • Even if you eat the same or more food, you can lose weight.
  • Nervous, anxious, or irritable?
  • Your hands and fingers are trembling.
  • Changes in the appearance of your eyes, such as bulging, redness, or irritation
  • Menstrual cycles that are irregular
  • Diarrhea or increased bowel movements

Thyroid Cancer

The underlying cause of thyroid cancer is unknown. However, it occurs as a result of genetic mutation when thyroid cells grow rapidly and do not die. An irregular cluster of thyroid tissue forms around the windpipe. However, there are a few types of thyroid cancer that are extremely aggressive and cause death quickly.

Thyroid cancer symptoms include:

  • Throat enlargement
  • Food and water swallowing difficulties
  • lymph nodes in the neck swollen
  • Neck pain that persists

Symptoms of Thyroid issues in Men & Women

The thyroid problem persists and manifests differently in men and women. While the majority of thyroid cancer cases are reported in women under the age of 40 or over the age of 50.

Read also: Why do you need Lipid Profile test?

The thyroid affects men differently, with the majority of the effects centred on fertility, libido, and erectile dysfunction.

  • Fatigue
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Symptoms of respiratory distress
  • Swallowing Difficulties
  • Irritability
  • Insensitivity to heat Insensitivity to cold
  • Palpitations
  • Leg swollenness
  • Hair that is dry
  • Loss of hair
  • Fever
  • Menstrual cycles that are lighter
  • Diarrhoea
  • Sleeping problems
  • Oversleeping

The Causes of Thyroid Disorder

The following are the primary causes of thyroid disease:

  • Autoimmune conditions:

    Certain autoimmune conditions, such as Hashimoto's Disease and Graves' Disease, cause the thyroid glands to behave abnormally, causing the body's thyroid hormone levels to fluctuate.

  • Deficiency in iodine:

    Iodine is required by the thyroid gland to perform its normal functions. When the body is deficient in iodine, it produces more thyroid tissue in an attempt to absorb more iodine. This abnormal growth can result in an adenoma, cysts, or nodules, which can lead to thyroid problems.

  • Infections caused by viruses and bacteria:

    Some bacteria and viruses may cause thyroid problems in humans. These conditions are treatable if detected early.

  • Nodules:

    Nodules in the thyroid gland form when thyroid tissue grows excessively. This happens when the thyroid glands overgrow in order to absorb more iodine.

  • Tumors that are cancerous:

    Few nodules and cysts that form in the thyroid gland become cancerous and aggressively attack the host. The best way to eliminate this root cause of thyroid problems is to remove the cancerous cells through surgery.

  • Surgical procedures and treatments:

    Thyroid gland removal surgery can result in hypothyroidism, and radioiodine use can also cause fluctuations in thyroid hormone secretion.

  • Pregnancy:

    Thyroid disease can develop during pregnancy in a few women. When left untreated, these onsets can cause severe thyroid problems in both the mother and the foetus, and in severe cases, both can die.

Thyroid Problems: Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis

Thyroid treatment is only possible if the condition is properly diagnosed first. The thyroid can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can overlap with those of other medical conditions. Thyroid disease, on the other hand, can be tested using blood tests, imaging tests, or physical exams.

  • Blood Test: Thyroid blood tests are the most reliable way to determine the level of thyroid hormone in your blood. These tests may differ from person to person, depending on any underlying health conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
  • Imaging Tests: A thyroid scan is an imaging test performed by your healthcare provider. This scan will detect any changes in the shape, size, or growth of thyroid gland nodules. Ultrasounds can also show how well your thyroid gland is working, allowing your doctor to proceed with the treatment.
  • Physical Test: Physical examination: This is a simple procedure in which your healthcare provider feels the thyroid gland for enlargement or growth.

Treatment

Your doctor's goal is to use medications to help your thyroid gland return to normal function. If you have high levels of thyroid hormone in your blood (hyperthyroidism), you may have the following treatment options:

  • Methimazole and propylthiouracil are antithyroid medications.
  • Iodine that is radioactive
  • Beta-blockers
  • Surgery

Thyroid replacement medications can be used if you have a low level of thyroid in your blood (hypothyroidism). These synthetic (man-made) medications aid in the reintroduction of thyroid hormones into your body. Levothyroxine is a common thyroid replacement medication that doctors frequently prescribe.

CNC Path lab is outfitted with cutting-edge equipment that allows us to diagnose your health state with total accuracy and precision. CNC Path lab is your ideal medical partner for Thyroid Test in Delhi/NCR, as we are supported by a team of professional healthcare practitioners and physicians that assist us to maintain our service quality.