Thyroid problems, their causes and diagnosis

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Thyroid problems, their causes and diagnosis




What is thyroid?

Thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland present in neck, above the collarbone, that produces and secrets thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone influences almost all the metabolic processes in the body like fat burn and heart beats count.

What are thyroid problems?

Thyroid problems can range from small harmless goiter(enlarged gland) which needs no treatment to life threatening cancer. Most common problems of thyroid are abnormal production of thyroid hormone. Too much production of thyroid hormone results to the condition of Hyperthyroidism. And insufficient thyroid hormone production results to the condition of Hypothyroidism.
Effects of thyroid problems can be unpleasant or uncomfortable, but it can be managed well if properly diagnosed and treated.

 What causes thyroid problems?

Problems of thyroid can be caused by

  • Nodules or lumps inside the thyroid
  • Inflammation   of the thyroid due to bacteria or virus
  • Iodine deficiency
  • Cancerous tumors in thyroid gland
  • Autoimmune diseases, that attacks immune system of your body and leads to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
  • Certain medical treatments like thyroid surgery, radiation therapy or some medicines
  • Some genetic disorder
Occasionally, pregnancy can cause thyroid problems. If it left untreated it can affect mother and baby including miscarriage, premature birth or stillbirth.

 How to diagnose of thyroid problems?

Blood test

Thyroid problems like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by blood test by checking the level of thyroid. The tests measure itself from thyroid hormone and also from Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), chemical that secrets by pituitary gland that that influence your thyroid. In hypothyroidism, you have higher TSH because your body tries to make your thyroid to produce make more thyroid hormone. The reverse happens in hyperthyroidism, TSH are below normal level and thyroid hormone level are high.

Ultrasound for nodules

Nodules appear suddenly are fluid filled sac. And it can be diagnosed by ultrasound. Depending upon the nodule’s size your doctor can treat your thyroid problem very well.

In next post we will share thyroid problems treatments and prevention…

Location: India

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