Overview

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ that is located at the base of your neck. It causes the release of hormones that regulate metabolism. It is about 2 inches long and is located in front of your throat, just below the prominence of thyroid cartilage known as the Adam's apple. The thyroid has two sides called lobes that lie on either side of your windpipe and are usually connected by an isthmus, which is a strip of thyroid tissue. Some people lack an isthmus and instead have two distinct thyroid lobes.

The thyroid gland is controlled by two brain regions: the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus in our brain produces thyrotropin-releasing hormone, (TRH). The release of thyrotropin-releasing hormone signals the pituitary gland to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This thyroid-stimulating hormone, which circulates in your bloodstream, instructs the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones and release them into your bloodstream.

Triiodothyronine (abbreviated as T3) and thyroxine are the two main hormones released by the thyroid gland (abbreviated as T4). These are in responsible for supplying energy to the cells of our body and are one of the primary hormones that regulate the body's metabolism.

Thyroid hormones regulate vital body functions such as:

• Menstruation cycles
• The body's temperature
• Cholesterol levels
• Breathing
• The heart rate
• Nervous systems, both central and peripheral
• Body weight
• Muscle strength

Common Thyroid disorders include:-

• Goitres - A goitre is a swelling in the neck. A toxic goitre is caused by hyperthyroidism, whereas a non-toxic goitre, also known as a simple or endemic goitre, is caused by an iodine deficiency.
• Hyperthyroidism- It is caused by an excess of thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism can occasionally cause goitre. Anxiety, irritability or moodiness, hyperactivity, sweating or sensitivity to high temperatures, hand trembling, hair loss, and missed or light menstrual periods are all symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
• Hypothyrodism - Hypothyroidism is a common condition characterised by a lack of thyroid hormone. The condition is known as cretinism in infants. Cretinism has severe side effects, such as abnormal bone formation and mental retardation. Adult hypothyroidism symptoms may include difficulty sleeping, tiredness and fatigue, difficulty concentrating, dry skin and hair, depression, sensitivity to cold temperatures, frequent and heavy periods, and joint and muscle pain. Hypothyroidism frequently goes unnoticed for years before being diagnosed.
• Thyroid nodules - Solitary thyroid nodules, or lumps, are actually quite common; in fact, it is estimated that more than half of the population will have a thyroid nodule. The vast majority of nodules are harmless. A fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) is usually used to determine whether a nodule is cancerous.
• Thyroid Cancer - Thyroid cancer is fairly common, but the long-term survival rate is very high. Thyroid cancer patients may experience symptoms such as hoarseness, neck pain, and enlarged lymph nodes on occasion. Thyroid cancer can strike anyone at any age, but women and people over thirty are more likely to be affected.
• Thyroiditis - Thyroiditis is a thyroid inflammation that can lead to abnormal thyroid function (particularly hyperthyroidism). Inflammation can cause thyroid cells to die, rendering the thyroid incapable of producing enough hormones to keep the body's metabolism running normally. Thyroiditis is classified into five types, with each having its own treatment.

Thyroid symptoms:

• Loss or gain of weight- A significant change in weight indicates an abnormal function of the thyroid gland. Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) can cause weight gain, whereas unexpected weight loss can indicate that too many thyroid hormones are produced (hyperthyroidism). Hypothyroidism is far more prevalent than hyperthyroidism.
• Energy or mood change - Thyroid disorders can have an impact on emotions, energy, and mood. Depression, tiredness, and sluggishness are all symptoms of hypothyroidism. Sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety, and restlessness are all symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
• Neck Swelling - A goitre is an enlargement of the thyroid gland that causes swelling in the neck. A goitre can be caused by both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. It can also be caused by tumours or nodules that form within the thyroid gland.
• Body temperature is too cold or too hot- Because the thyroid regulates body temperature, those with hypothyroidism frequently report feeling cold. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, is characterised by excessive sweating and aversion to heat.
• Changes in heart rate- Hormones produced by the thyroid gland have an impact on nearly every organ in the body, including the heart. Hypothyroidism causes the heart to beat slowly, whereas hyperthyroidism causes the heart to beat fast.  Excess of thyroid hormone can also cause an increase in blood pressure and the sensation that your heart is pounding (palpitations).
• Hair loss – It is a common symptom of thyroid disease. Thyroid hormone levels that are too high or too low can both cause hair loss. When the condition is treated, the hair usually grows back.

Some signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism  include memory loss, Fatigue, Lethargy, memory loss, dry skin, goitre, depression, weight gain, hair loss and bloating and signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include anxiety, weakness, irregular heartbeat, excessive perspiration, irritability and tremor.

Infant hypothyroidism

Although hypothyroidism most commonly affects middle-aged and older women, it can affect anyone, including infants. Babies born without a thyroid gland or with a thyroid gland that does not function properly may have few signs and symptoms at first. When newborns are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, they may experience the following complications:

• Yellowing of the skin and eye whites (jaundice). In most cases, this occurs when a baby's liver is unable to metabolise bilirubin, a substance that normally forms when the body recycles old or damaged red blood cells.
• A protruding tongue.
• Breathing is difficult.
• Crying until you're hoarse.
• A hernia of the umbilicus.

As the disease progresses, infants may struggle to feed and may fail to grow and develop normally. They could also have:

• Constipation
• Muscle tone is poor
• Excessive sleepliness

Children and adolescents with hypothyroidism

Children and teenagers who develop hypothyroidism have the same signs and symptoms as adults, but they may also have:

• Inadequate growth, resulting in short stature
• Delayed permanent tooth development
• Delayed puberty
• Inadequate mental development

Diagnosis of Thyroid :

Thyroid disease can be difficult to diagnose at times because the symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. When pregnant or ageing, you may experience symptoms similar to those associated with thyroid disease. Fortunately, there are tests that can help determine whether your symptoms are the result of a thyroid problem. When it comes to thyroid gland problems, medical history, specialised tests, and a thorough physical examination all play a role in both diagnosis and treatment. As a result, the doctors at Aakash Healthcare of Endocrinology and Diabetes begin by taking a history of the patient, which is then followed by a physical examination and various diagnostic tests. Among the latter are:

• Blood tests are performed - T3,T4, Thyroid Simulating Hormone(TSH), anti TPO, lipid profile, CBC, and lipid profile may be needed to diagnose the problem
• Imaging examinations – Ultrasound(USG) OF Thyroid

Treatment for thyroid disease:

The goal of your healthcare provider is to restore your thyroid hormone levels to normal. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, and the specific treatment will be determined by the underlying cause of your thyroid condition.

If you have high levels of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism), you may be able to receive the following treatment:

• Radioactive iodine: This treatment damages thyroid cells, preventing them from producing high levels of thyroid hormones.
• Medications: In hypothyroidism, medications help compensate for the lack of thyroid hormone. The thyroid hormone is administered in the form of a pill. Medicines can reduce the production of excess thyroid hormone in cases of hyperthyroidism. Antithyroid drugs and beta-blockers are the two main types of medications used to treat hyperthyroidism.
• Surgery - Your healthcare provider may surgically remove your thyroid as a more permanent treatment option (thyroidectomy). This will stop it from producing hormones. You will, however, need to take thyroid replacement hormones for the rest of your life.

Endocrinology and Diabetes at Aakash Healthcare in Dwarka, Delhi, has one of the best endocrinologists in the city and is regarded as one of the best centers/hospitals for thyroid and hormone-related diseases. The department is led by a capable team of highly trained endocrinologists, oncologists, surgeons, thyroid specialists, and other staff who collaborate to offer patients best-in-class treatment options. The team has treated a variety of thyroid, pituitary, and metabolic conditions, including obesity, PCOS, osteoporosis, and hormonal disorders.