Thyroid: Signs & Symptoms, Risk Factors & Prevention

Remember the 90s advertisement jingle asking the nation to eat only "iodised namak" to prevent goitre?

Goitre is a disease linked to the thyroid gland. The swelling of the thyroid gland causes this condition. In addition, swelling is one of the major thyroid symptoms, noticeable in more thyroid complications than one. 

Moreover, there are many more diseases and conditions caused by the disbalance of thyroid hormones. Therefore, know everything about the thyroid gland in detail, such as what is a thyroid gland, what are the signs and symptoms of thyroid, and how to diagnose thyroid? 

Let's get started!

The thyroid is a gland. It is a part of the endocrine system of the human body. The gland is butterfly-shaped, lying below Adam's apple. Many crucial voice nerves pass through it and it is rich in blood vessels.

It produces several hormones essential for the growth and development of the human body. These hormones influence growth, body temperature, and development, critical for brain development as a child.

However, thyroid meaning has been misused. When people say they have "thyroid," they mean a disbalance of the hormones produced by the gland rather than the gland itself.

Hence, it is important to note that the term thyroid refers scientifically to the gland but is used commonly to talk about the diseases that arise because of it.

Moreover, there are two types of thyroid conditions. They are:

Hyperthyroidism

The excess production of thyroid hormones causes hyperthyroidism. This condition causes the body to use up energy quickly, lose weight, and develop excessive nervousness.

Hypothyroidism

The underproduction of thyroid hormone causes hypothyroidism. Common symptoms of this include feeling tired, weight gain and inability to tolerate cold temperatures.

The common thyroid symptoms have been given below. 

These signs of thyroid are differentiated as under hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. 

Thyroid symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can include:

• Enlarged thyroid gland or a goitre
• Experiencing anxiety, irritability, or nervousness
• Experiencing irregular menstrual periods
• Eye irritation
• Feeling sensitive to heat
• Experiencing irregular menstrual cycle
• Losing weight
• Muscle weakness
• Tremors
• Trouble sleeping
• Vision problems

Thyroid symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can include:

• Dry and coarse hair
• Experiencing an intolerance to cold temperatures
• Experiencing forgetfulness
• Feeling tired (fatigue)
• Frequent periods
• Gaining weight
• Heavy menstrual periods
• Hoarse voice

These are the thyroid symptoms for excessive and underproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland.

The two main causes of the thyroid condition are the thyroid gland's over and underproduction of different thyroid hormones. These are known as hyper and hypothyroidism. 

However, several other conditions can cause or trigger off hyper and hypothyroidism in a person.

Conditions that Cause Hypothyroidism

The following diseases can trigger the secretion of thyroid hormones. These conditions are:

An Absent Thyroid Gland from Birth

If you are born with a faulty thyroid gland, then you could be affected by this problem. 1 in 4000 babies is born with such complications. Therefore, if you have this condition from birth, you may suffer from mental and emotional issues.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition. As a result, the immune system of the body starts attacking the thyroid. Furthermore, it can be compared to Type 1 diabetes, where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin hormone. The body's cells attack and damage the thyroid.

Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis occurs when there is a swelling of the thyroid, which causes less production of thyroid hormones.

Iodine Deficiency

The thyroid uses iodine to produce hormones. Unfortunately, an iodine deficiency affects several million people around the world.

Postpartum Thyroiditis

There can be a dip in thyroid levels for up to 5-9% of women post-pregnancy. However, it is a temporary condition that will stabilise after some time.

Conditions that Cause Hyperthyroidism

The following diseases are responsible for triggering off the problem of hyperthyroidism.

Nodules

Overactive nodules within the thyroid can cause hyperthyroidism. There can be a single nodule or multiple nodules on the thyroid gland. 

Graves’ Diseases

In this disease, the entire thyroid gland swells up and produces excess thyroid hormone. This problem is also commonly called diffuse toxic goitre. 

Excess Iodine

Excess consumption of iodine, an essential element in the production of thyroid hormones, is responsible for hyperthyroidism. Iodine is found in cough syrup and heart medicine, so those on this medication should be careful. 

Thyroiditis

The thyroid gland releases hormones stored in it, and this condition can last for a few weeks. 

These were some of the reasons for thyroid in a person.

It is very hard to make a thyroid diagnosis as the symptoms mimic other normal conditions such as pregnancy or ageing.

However, the ways to diagnose thyroid are through the following:

• Blood tests
• Biopsy
• Imaging tests
• Physical examinations

Therefore, let us take a look at these tests in detail.

2. Biopsy

A small amount of the thyroid tissue is removed to check for cancer. Thyroid cancer is usually treatable. 

3. Imaging Tests

The doctor may also prescribe imaging of the thyroid to understand the problem better. For example, they may ask for an X-ray or an ultrasound.

• An imaging test involves a scan of the thyroid. The scan looks for an increase in shape, size and deformities.
• The doctor may also prescribe an ultrasound to image the thyroid gland. An ultrasound will typically take 20 to 30 minutes.
  
  

4. Physical Tests

In this testing method, the doctor will physically examine the neck region with his hands by feeling for enlargement or growth.

Any treatment aims to bring the thyroid levels back to normal and keep them there. There are many best treatments for thyroid. The details are given below:

Antithyroid Drugs

There are two thyroid treatment medicines. These are methimazole and propylthiouracil. They hinder the thyroid gland from making more hormones.

Beta-blockers

These meds help to control the symptoms rather than the hormone levels.

External Radiation

A beam of radiation is pin-pointedly applied at the thyroid. This treatment is carried out multiple times. The radiation helps to kill the thyroid cancer cells.

Radioactive Iodine

Doses of radioactive iodine can destroy an overactive thyroid or destroy cancerous tissues.

Thyroid Hormone Pills

These pills treat hypothyroidism and prevent cancer from returning.

Thyroid Replacement Medication Therapy

In this type of therapy, the person has to take the hormones through drugs. A common drug used is levothyroxine.

Thyroidectomy (surgery)

This specialised surgery will remove parts of the thyroid. Doctors undertake this step when there is thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism or goitre.

There are several risk factors of thyroid. However, the most common ones are age and genetics. Here is a list of risk factors for hyper and hypothyroidism.

Given the many complications associated with thyroid, “how to avoid thyroid” must be on everyone’s mind.

Here are some common ways to prevent thyroid. They are:

Eat Less Soy

Research supports the fact that excess consumption of soy causes thyroid problems. Soy tends to interfere with the body’s absorption of levothyroxine, a thyroid replacement drug.

Get Tested for Celiac Disease

There exists a strong correlation between Celiac disease and Graves’ and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Therefore, getting tested for Celiac disease is very important to deal with thyroid complications.

Quit Smoking

Thiocyanate in cigarette smoke hampers the intake of iodine, an element essential for producing thyroid hormones. Moreover, smoking also causes a dip in the TSH levels and an increase in T4 levels.

Selenium Supplements

Selenium is associated with decreased hypothyroidism. However, the exact nature of the role of selenium needs to be discussed with your doctor. Unfortunately, there is less information available on this relationship.

Thyroid Neck Check

Anyone can do the thyroid neck check at home. However, you will need a mirror and a glass of water. Stand in front of a mirror and swallow a glass of water. You will notice any bumps or nodules on your neck as you slowly drink the water. However, small lumps cannot be easily picked out.

Use Thyroid Collar

Taking frequent X-rays exposes the thyroid gland to radiation. Excessive radiation exposure can lead to thyroid cancer. Hence, ask for a thyroid collar, a lead-covered neck brace that protects the delicate thyroid gland from exposure.

Visit Your Doctor Regularly

If you are wondering “is there a way to prevent thyroid,” there isn’t any proven way to prevent thyroid. However, regular doctor’s checkups are important to diagnose the problem sooner.