medical disease

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Thyroid Disease

Overview
The thyroid is a small gland, shaped like a butterfly, that rests in the middle of the lower neck. Its primary function is to control the body’s metabolism (rate at which cells perform duties essential to living). To control metabolism, the thyroid produces hormones, T4 and T3, which tell the body’s cells how much energy to use.

The quantity of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream is monitored and controlled by the pituitary gland. When the pituitary gland, which is located in the center of the skull below the brain, senses either a lack of thyroid hormones or a high level of thyroid hormones, it will adjust its own hormone (TSH) and send it to the thyroid to tell it what to do.

When the thyroid produces too much hormone, the body uses energy faster than it should. This condition is called hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormone, the body uses energy slower than it should. This condition is called hypothyroidism.

Causes of thyroid disease

There are several causes of thyroid disease.

The following causes of hypothyroidism such are thyroiditis, hashimoto's tyyroiditis ( painlessdisease of the immune system that is hereditary, postpartum thyroiditis, iodine deficiency ( iodine is used by the thyroid to produce hormones).

The following conditions cause hyperthyroidism such are gravesdisease/diffuse toxic goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), nodules might be overactive within the thyroid, thyroiditis ( can be painful or painless ), excessive iodine .

Symptom of thyroid disease

For hypothyroidism :
Fatigue
Frequent, heavy menstrual periods
Forgetfulness
Weight gain
Dry, coarse skin and hair
Hoarse voice
Intolerance to cold

For hyperthyroidism :

Fatigue
Frequent, heavy menstrual periods
Forgetfulness
Weight gain
Dry, coarse skin and hair
Hoarse voice
Intolerance to cold

Diagnosis of thyroid disease
T4 (Thyroxine)

Thyroid antibodies

Thyroid function tests

TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)

Test Ultrasound of the thyroid gland

Treatment of thyroid disease
Minimally invasive thyroidectomy

Radioiodine therapy

Thyroid hormone treatment
Thyroid surgery
Total thyroidectomy