Health

Your Complete Guide On Thyroid

The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the neck and it resembles the shape of a butterfly.

It secretes thyroid hormones responsible for stimulating metabolism, growth, development and determining the body temperature. An excess or dearth of thyroid hormones result in various thyroid disorders.

Today, ILS Hospitals would discuss some common health-conditions related to the thyroid gland in detail.

Goitre

Goitre is an abnormal swelling of your thyroid gland. It happens due to iodine deficiency or due to thyroid inflammation. Some symptoms of goitre are as follows:

  • Swelling in the neck

  • Breathing difficulties

  • Difficulty in swallowing

  • Coughing.

Sometimes, medication and surgery are recommended for large goitres.

Hypothyroidism

In Hypothyroidism or Hypoactive thyroid gland, your thyroid gland does not produce adequate thyroid hormones due to that it fails to meet the requirements of the body. Women are at a higher risk than men to suffer from Hypothyroidism. Let’s look at some of the symptoms now:

  • Weight gain

  • Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding

  • Constipation

  • Depression

  • Dry skin

  • Stiff and aching muscles

  • High blood cholesterol

  • Mood swings

  • Fatigue

  • Loss of hair

  • Weakness

  • Sensitivity to cold

  • Swollen face

Hypothyroidism can be regulated by taking oral supplements for the thyroid hormone. Even injections can be prescribed for treating severe hypoactive thyroid gland.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism or Hyperactive thyroid gland is a result of excessive levels of the hormone, thyroxine. People with high iodine levels in the body can also suffer from hyperthyroidism. The signs and symptoms include:

  • Mood swings

  • Increased appetite

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Palpitations

  • Nervousness

  • Weakness

  • Heat intolerance

  • Frequent bowel movements

  • Swollen thyroid (goitre)

  • Sudden weight loss

  • Shaky hands

  • Insomnia

  • Changes in the menstrual cycle

  • Excessive sweating.

The treatment for Hyperthyroidism includes anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, beta-blockers and even thyroidectomy (partial or complete surgical removal of the thyroid gland).

You can avoid thyroid diseases by following these tips:

1. Avoid Smoking.

2. Do not overindulge in fasting or follow a starvation diet.

3. Stay away from harmful radiations from X-Rays, MRI etc.

4. Visit a medical professional regularly for screening your thyroid.

You can always come to ILS Hospitals in Kolkata or Agartala to consult an experienced endocrinologist.