9 questions about the thyroid gland

1. What is the thyroid gland responsible for?

The thyroid gland is a small organ that is located in the neck and is shaped like a butterfly. It produces hormones: triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and calcitonin. They regulate metabolism, growth and development of cells and the whole organism. If the thyroid gland is functioning, a person will have normal body weight, temperature, heart rate, gastrointestinal tract, hair and skin condition, reproductive function, mood and much more.

2. What are thyroid diseases?

The most common diseases of the thyroid gland are associated with abnormal production of its hormones.

An excess of hormones is called hyperthyroidism. It can be compared to a furnace operating at full capacity. In hyperthyroidism, there is a decrease in body weight even with increased appetite, insomnia, heat intolerance, palpitations, anxiety and irritability. In rare cases, a thyrotoxic crisis can develop — a sharp increase in the blood levels of thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which can even lead to death. Hyperthyroidism is most often caused by Graves’ disease, toxic multinodular goiter, and certain medications. 

Its opposite state is hypothyroidisminsufficient production of thyroid hormones. In this case, the processes in organisms resemble a weakly smoldering ember. Typical symptoms: weight gain, fatigue, constipation, hair loss, slow heartbeat. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is dietary iodine deficiency and autoimmune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hypothyroidism is especially dangerous for children, in whom it causes a severe delay in physical and mental development. 

3. Who is susceptible to thyroid disease? 

Thyroid disease can affect anyone, but women are five to eight times more likely to be diagnosed with it. The risk is higher if you have blood relatives with thyroid disease, have an autoimmune disease, are taking amiodarone or lithium, or have had radiation therapy to the head and neck. 

4. How are thyroid disorders diagnosed?

Several methods are used in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases. One of the most accurate diagnostic methods is a blood test. Most often, the level of T3, T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone, a pituitary hormone that controls the production of thyroid hormones, is determined. Additionally, the level of antibodies to the thyroid gland can be examined in case of suspected autoimmune diseases, calcitonin for the diagnosis of malignant tumors. In people with a history of thyroid cancer, thyroglobulin levels are measured. 

Ultrasound examination can detect changes in the structure of the thyroid gland — for example, nodes or calcifications. 

5. What to do if nodes are found on it?

More than half of people over the age of 45-50 have thyroid nodules. The main reason is iodine deficiency. Russia remains one of the few countries where iodine deficiency persists throughout its territory.

It all starts with an increase in the gland, which thus tries to compensate for the lack of hormones, over time, accumulations of its cells are formed that form knots. There is another group of nodes — those that have developed against the background of autoimmune thyroiditis. And finally, there are nodes that are malignant neoplasms.

Which ones to remove and which ones to keep must be decided on an individual basis. A biopsy is performed, and based on its results, the doctor decides whether to refer the patient to a surgeon or not and how much surgery is needed.

6. How is thyroid disease treated?

The goal of treatment is to restore normal hormone levels. This can be done in many ways. If you have high hormone levels (hyperthyroidism), treatment options may include the following.

• Antithyroid drugs are medicines that suppress an overactive thyroid gland.

• Radioactive iodine — it destroys thyroid cells, reducing the production of hormones.

• Beta-blockers — these do not change the amount of hormones, but they help control symptoms.

• Surgical treatment (thyroidectomy) — with it, all or part of the gland is removed. 

For hypothyroidism, the main treatment option is to take synthetic thyroid hormones to maintain normal levels.  

7. Does everyone need iodine supplements?

There is no need to take iodine preparations without a doctor’s prescription. To prevent a deficiency of this element, it is enough to have iodized salt in the kitchen. The group of people who are really recommended to take special drugs is very limited. First of all, these are pregnant and lactating women, whose iodine deficiency can affect the development of the child’s nervous system.

8. Can I play sports with thyroid disease?

Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. You don’t need to change your exercise routine if you have a thyroid condition. Talk to your healthcare provider if you want to start a new exercise program. 

9. Is it possible to live a normal life with thyroid disease?

Thyroid disorders are usually chronic conditions that need to be constantly monitored. Often this is due to daily medication. Your doctor will monitor your treatment and make adjustments as needed.

It may take some time to find the right treatment option, but people with thyroid problems live normal lives.