It's Thyroid ~ Symptoms of Thyroid

What is thyroid?

Thyroid is a gland located just below the voice box in the trachea. It is very important because the hormones secreted by it play vital role in the body. The primary hormone secreted by the thyroid gland is called thyroxin. It is also known as T4.  Iodine is being used by the thyroid gland to produce hormones by the thyroid gland. In the blood stream T4 is converted to T3 which is the most active hormone.

Thyroid’s mechanism is controlled by the brain. When the thyroid hormone level is low the brain gets active to maintain it. The hypothalamus in the brain produces TRH (thyrotropin releasing hormone) which actives the pituitary gland to release TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). TSH stimulates thyroid gland to release T4 hormone.

Thyroid disorders:

The abnormal conditions of the thyroid which affect its shape or functions or both are called Thyroid disorders.

Different types of thyroid disorders are as follows:

 Goiter: The condition of the thyroid in which it is swollen. [Causes: ]

 Thyroiditis: Painful inflammation of the thyroid from viral infection or autoimmune condition.

 Hyperthyroidism: Production of excessive hormone. [Causes: Most common cause is the Grave  diseases]

 Hypothyroidism: Production of the thyroid hormone is very low. [Causes: Autoimmune diseases which damage the thyroid].

 Thyroid nodule: A small abnormal mass or lump in the thyroid. It’s very common. It may cause excess secretion of T4 or may not be harmful.

Thyroid cancer: This is a rare form of cancer of the thyroid. This type of cancer is curable by surgery, radiation or hormonal treatment.

 Thyroid storm: An uncommon form of hyperthyroidism. In this condition the secretion of hormone is extremely high and causes severe illness.

Symptoms of Thyroid disorder:

It's estimated that as many as 10% population of the world suffers from thyroid disorder. But common people are not aware about it. Only in America around 59 million people have a thyroid problem, but the majority doesn’t know it yet.

There is a wide range of symptoms of thyroid disorder. Some of them are as drastically weight loss/ gain, heart problem, hair loss, weakness, infertility, depression, anxiety, sexual disorder etc.

Generally thyroid symptoms are not clear so we must consult our family doctor and get blood test in regular interval of time.