The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck that secretes and releases hormones into our bodies. This gland plays an important role in regulating our metabolism and increasing operation of cholesterol, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Savita Hegde, MD, family medicine physician at UI Health Care—North Liberty, talks about the thyroid:
Who is at risk of developing a thyroid disorder or disease?
Mainly females. It is three to five-times more common in women. After the age of 50, both men and females can have this problem. Children and people who got radiation to their neck can also be at risk. Sometimes it could be anybody who had inflammation—either viral or bacterial in nature—that can lead to low (hypothyroidism) or high (hyperthyroidism )hormone secretion
Are thyroid disorders genetic?
Yes, absolutely. It's a genetic mutation that causes or leads to a very small thyroid gland or the absence of a thyroid gland. It is very, very important to detect this because later on children can develop mental retardation, speech delay; as well as learning disabilities and other symptoms which can actually be deadly.
What are some of the common disorders that are considered thyroid disorders?
Some of the other disorders that can mimic thyroid disorders are fibromyalgia, depression, angina, stress, fatigue, tiredness, and anemia. Thyroid disorders can be classified as:
- Underactive thyroid, called hypothyroidism
- Overactive thyroid called hyperthyroidism
- Goiters without any symptoms
- Cancer
- Nodules in the thyroid that can lead to problems later
It's always best to get checked with your primary care doctors.
What are the symptoms of thyroid disorders?
The thyroid disorder symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Tiredness
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Excessive sweating
- Weight loss
- Sluggishness
- Slowness
- Altered concentration
Symptoms of thyroid disease can mimic other diseases, like depression. In some cases, an overactive thyroid, might make you think you have chest pain or heart disease.
Are thyroid disorders often under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed because the symptoms can be similar to other disorders?
Absolutely yes! Thyroid disorders are seen during a physical and the person thinks he might have depression symptoms. The person might not even come to a physician's office to get checked and the symptoms can continue for several months. Later, when they feel the symptoms getting worse, they will come to the doctor's office.
Thyroid disease is also under diagnosed. Sometimes physicians wait until the tests are completely abnormal. You can have an under active thyroid. People notice excessive weight gain even if they exercise, diet, and they are still unable to lose weight. I strongly recommend people who are unable to lose weight, in spite of the diet and exercise, have their thyroid checked.
How are thyroid disorders diagnosed?
It's a simple blood test. You don't have to fast and it can be checked any time of the day. It's called a T-titer hormone—two hormones, called the T-3 and T-4 are checked. We also like to check the TSH, a thyroid-stimulating hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, which is a master gland in our brain that monitors other glands in the body.
What is the current treatment for thyroid disorders?
If it's an under active thyroid, it's replacement of the hormone. It could be with thyroxin, Synthroid, or any kind of hormone. We can actually treat any kind with just simple replacement of the thyroid hormone. If it's an overactive thyroid, we use different medication such as methylthiouracil—it's a big name. Occasionally surgery may be needed to remove the overactive thyroid gland.
Can thyroid disorders be cured?
Sometimes. If goiters are causing the problems, we remove the goiters that are secreting excessive hormones. But it is very rare. Once you need a replacement of thyroid hormones, you need it life-long. Occasionally people stop the medications because they feel better after taking the hormones, bit I strongly recommend not stopping the medications and check up with your doctor first before you stop the medications.
Long-term, how are thyroid disorders managed?
Usually we see them in our office. Once they start the medications, we check the thyroid after two months. It's a simple blood test and according to the blood level, the medication we can adjust the medications. Once we've found the right dose for the patient, we check once a year unless the patient develops symptoms in between. As I mentioned earlier, low or high thyroid symptoms, then they need to come to the doctor's office to get checked. |
