World Thyroid Day

25th May 2012

Thyroid Gland
Thyroid is large ductless endocrine gland Location: On the front part of the neck below the thyroid cartilage Function: Secretes hormones (T3, T4, Calcitonin) that influence growth and development by regulating the rate of metabolism

Thyroid - Disorders
Thyroid gland disorders may be :1. Hypothyroidism 2. Hyperthyroidism 3. Thyroid Nodules

Hypothyroidism
(Underactive thyroid activity)
Primary Hypothyroidism 1. Thyroid dysfunction: a. Congenital Absence b. Hashimoto`s Thyroiditis 2. Impaired Synthesis of Thyroid Hormones a. Iodine deficiency b. Certain Medications

Secondary Hypothyroidism 1. Disorders of Hypothalamus 2. Disorders of Pituitary Gland

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Progressive weight gain Fatigue, general weakness Puffy face and eyes Body aches and muscle cramps Dry coarse hair, dry skin, Forgetfulness Hair loss and loss of lateral eyebrows Loss of interest Hoarseness of voice Slow heart beat Intolerance of cold Lack of appetite, constipation Brittle nails Menstrual irregularies Infertility

Hyperthyroidism
(Overactive thyroid activity) Causes: Toxic nodule, excessive intake of iodine, ingesting thyroid hormone, Graves disease Symptoms: Insomnia. Nervousness. Hand tremors, excessive sweating, feeling excessively hot in normal or cold temperature, frequent bowel movements, losing weight despite normal or increased appetite, scanty or nil menstruation, joint pains, difficulty in concentrating

Thyroid Nodules
Are generally benign thyroid neoplasms (new abnormal tissue growth). But may be malignant, too. GOITRE: The enlargement of the thyroid gland that can occur with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism and also with benign and malignant cancerous nodules Causes: Mostly iodine deficiency

Diagnosis
Evaluation is done by physical examination and review of medical history. The focus would be eyes, skin, heart and neurologic findings. Blood tests to check the TSH, T4, T3 levels. Nuclear thyroid scan, where a small amount of radioactive iodine is swallowed. Thyroid ultrasound helps to determine the size, number and types of nodules in the gland. Fine- needle aspiration for a thyroid tissue sample, usually from a nodule.

Diet
Both high and low TSH refers to a thyroid dysfunction. As it is not related to diet, there are no specific diet recommendations for people with thyroid dysfunction.

Facts
Weight gain is not an essential symptom of Hypothyroidism We can reduce weight even if TSH is elevated Hypothyroidism is not a disease. It is just a deficiency Pregnant Women with Hypothyroidism need special care.

 BE THYROID AWARE

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