The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland located in the neck in front of the windpipe, resembling a butterfly in shape, and secreting hormones that regulate metabolism. It is found in the front part of the neck and below the Adam’s apple. By sending the hormones it produces through the bloodstream to affect the relevant organs and systems, the thyroid gland affects all cells.
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What Is the Thyroid (Goiter) Gland?
The thyroid gland starts working from the womb and has very important roles in regulating metabolism. The hormones it secretes regulate the body’s energy consumption and also play a role in the synthesis and function of proteins that form the building blocks of the human body. The thyroid gland produces, stores, and secretes its hormones through follicles, which are its smallest structural units. The hormones secreted from the gland are T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine), and calcitonin, which plays a role in calcium metabolism. The thyroid gland produces and secretes these hormones with stimuli it receives from the hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the human brain, which are the chief glands that control the body’s secretions.
Thyroid hormones play a role in the rate of nutrient absorption and their processing, intestinal movements, and the way the body’s energy resources are used and stored. By also adjusting the speed and strength of our heartbeats, they help ensure adequate blood circulation in our body. They cause body temperature to be regulated through these effects.
Symptoms of Thyroid Hormone Disorders
Secreting too little or too much thyroid hormone may cause various health problems in the body. When the thyroid gland works too little, a disorder called hypothyroidism occurs; when it works too much, a different disorder called hyperthyroidism occurs.
Hypothyroidism, meaning that the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, commonly includes symptoms such as excessive fatigue, weakness, weight gain, depression, sensitivity to cold weather, dry skin, and hair loss. In addition, symptoms such as constipation, menstrual irregularities, and mental slowing may also be seen.
In hyperthyroidism, since the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, metabolism speeds up. In this case, the person may experience symptoms such as excessive sweating, weight loss, irritability, palpitations, tremors in the hands, insomnia, and diarrhea. In patients with hyperthyroidism, eye-related problems such as enlargement and swelling in the eyes may also occur.
What Are Thyroid Diseases?
Thyroid diseases occur according to functional disorders of the thyroid gland. Thyroid diseases can be listed as follows:
Hypothyroidism: It is the inability of the thyroid gland to produce enough hormones. This disease is usually caused by Hashimoto’s disease, which is an autoimmune disorder. Iodine deficiency may also cause hypothyroidism. This disease, which leads to a slowing of metabolism, may cause serious health problems in the long term if left untreated.
Hyperthyroidism: Characterized by excessive hormone production by the thyroid gland, this disease is usually caused by Graves’ disease. As the thyroid gland becomes overactive, metabolism speeds up and the body’s balance is disrupted. This condition may lead to serious complications.
Goiter: It occurs due to abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland and is usually associated with iodine deficiency. Goiter may be seen in both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid Nodules: They are small, hard masses that form on the thyroid. They are often benign, but some nodules may carry a risk of cancer.
Thyroid Cancer: These are tumors seen in the thyroid gland. Although rare, thyroid cancers are a serious group of diseases that require rapid treatment.
Diagnosis of Thyroid Diseases
Diagnosis of thyroid diseases usually begins with symptoms and a physical examination. The doctor may notice swelling in the neck or enlargement of the thyroid gland. The most commonly used methods for definitive diagnosis are blood tests. These tests measure the levels of thyroid hormones (T3, T4) and the TSH hormone that regulates the thyroid in the blood. Low or high hormone levels indicate thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
In addition, an ultrasound may be performed to obtain more information about the size and structure of the thyroid gland. This imaging method helps detect nodules or cysts in the thyroid. If a suspicious nodule is present, a biopsy is performed by taking a small tissue sample from the nodule to examine whether there is a risk of cancer.
In some cases, a radioactive iodine test may also be used to see the thyroid’s functional activity. This test helps determine the type of disease by measuring how much iodine the thyroid gland absorbs.
Relationship Between the Thyroid and Weight
Since the thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, imbalances in thyroid hormones may have a direct effect on weight. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland cannot produce enough hormones, so metabolism slows down, which may lead to weight gain. People with hypothyroidism generally struggle with weight control and may have difficulty losing weight despite dieting.
On the other hand, in hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too much hormone and metabolism speeds up. This may cause rapid weight loss. People with hyperthyroidism may experience weight loss even though they eat more than normal. When thyroid diseases are brought under control, weight balance can be achieved.
Treatment of Thyroid Diseases
Treatment of thyroid diseases depends on the type of hormonal imbalance. In the treatment of hypothyroidism, a medication containing levothyroxine is used to replace thyroid hormones. This medication balances the deficient thyroid hormones and returns metabolism to its normal rate. With regular medication use and medical follow-up, hypothyroidism can be brought under control.
In the treatment of hyperthyroidism, anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or, in rare cases, surgical intervention may be applied to reduce excessive production of thyroid hormones. These treatments prevent the thyroid gland from overworking and bring hormone levels back to normal. In both cases, thyroid diseases can be managed with the right treatment.
