What does the thyroid gland suffer from?

Proven content

Thyroid diseases are a problem not only for the sick person, but also for the doctor examining him. Many of the symptoms caused by her disorders are similar to those of other conditions, so making the correct diagnosis and prescribing the correct treatment can be a real challenge.

The thyroid gland is an organ located in the neck area, consisting of two lobes and the isthmus connecting them. It is used for the production of triiodothyronine (called T3 for short) and thyroxine (T4) – hormones essential for life, which enter the entire body through the bloodstream and are used by almost every cell. The working hormone is believed to be T3, and T4 only serves as the raw material for conversion to triiodothyronine. Triiodothyronine is – to put it simply – a hormone that enhances the metabolism (vital activity) of cells, and thus indirectly of the whole organism. The secretion of other hormones by the thyroid gland, for example calcitonin, is marginal.

The thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland – through the TSH hormone, it stimulates it to produce hormones. Thyroid hormones, or more specifically fT3, inhibit the secretion of TSH, which creates a negative feedback loop that keeps the hormones at the right level.

Hormonal disorders, goiter and inflammation

Thyroid diseases can be divided into several different groups. The first one concerns hormonal disorders – excessive or insufficient production of hormones (then we are talking about an overactive or underactive thyroid gland). This condition is a consequence of the following disorders.

The second group of diseases are changes in the size and structure of the thyroid gland – the so-called I prefer. Sometimes we are dealing only with an increase in the volume of the thyroid gland, without changes in its structure – this is the so-called flesh goiter. Sometimes thyroid nodules (tumors) develop – then the thyroid gland is not made of normal tissue, but there are areas of abnormal tissue in it. The changes may be palpable on manual examination or visible on ultrasound and are referred to as nodular goitre. Abnormal tissue is most often benign, less often (up to 5% of cases) malignant. These lumps can also secrete an excessive amount of thyroid hormones, which causes the above-mentioned hyperfunction.

Some supplements support the work of the thyroid gland. We recommend, among others My thyroid gland – Panaseus dietary supplement based on natural plant extracts.

Another group of diseases is inflammation of the thyroid gland. Most often they are not of infectious origin, but are caused by disorders of the immune (immune) system. To put it simply – the immune system incorrectly recognizes its own tissues as the target of an attack, which causes inflammation and sometimes further consequences, such as hormonal disorders, sometimes enlargement, but most often atrophy of the gland.

There are several types of thyroiditis. The most common is the so-called Hashimoto’s disease – causes hypothyroidism, rarely hyperthyroidism. Another common inflammation is Graves’ disease – it causes hyperthyroidism, rarely hypothyroidism, it can also cause ocular symptoms (thyroid ophthalmopathy). Increasingly, thyroiditis caused by amiodarone – a popular cardiac drug (trade name Cordarone or Opacorden) is seen. There are also so-called postpartum thyroiditis.

Thyroid hormones contain iodine atoms, so there is a group of thyroid disorders associated with iodine deficiency or excess. Iodine deficiency, especially in childhood or pregnancy, may affect the enlargement of the thyroid gland, the appearance of nodules, and sometimes hypothyroidism. Currently, disorders associated with an excess of iodine are also common, which is related to the use of paramedical preparations that are mistakenly considered to be harmless. Excess iodine in susceptible individuals, especially those with already formed thyroid nodules, can lead to hyperthyroidism. Iodine deficiency may in turn contribute to the formation of thyroid nodules. Note – in a person with iodine deficiency, its excess will not eliminate disorders, but will cause more!

The daily dose of iodine will be satisfied by the Kelp 630 mg dietary supplement from Nature’s Sunshine. The preparation, thanks to its natural ingredients, regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland, supports the nervous system and contributes to the maintenance of proper energy metabolism.

We also recommend the YANGO liquid multivitamin for women, which contains, among others, iodine.

Not to demonize, but also not to underestimate

Thyroid abnormalities are quite common – e.g. nodules are found in 50-60% of women in Poland, thyroiditis in about 10% of people over 70 years of age. Another issue is the significance of these abnormalities – whether to raise all of them to a disease, tell the patient that he is sick. Of course not! Most of these abnormalities do not matter, are detected accidentally, do not give any symptoms, are wrongly associated with ailments such as: obesity, fatigue, malaise, shortness of breath, pressure and pain in the neck area, cough, hoarseness.

Does this mean that any thyroid abnormalities or symptoms described above should be taken lightly? Also not! Fortunately, we now have readily available tests to help us judge what’s dangerous and what’s not, and whether or not the symptoms are related to thyroid disease.

Basic tests

How are thyroid diseases detected? There are typical symptoms of the diseases listed above that are noted by the doctor. Unfortunately, most of them are non-specific, meaning they can be caused by hundreds of other causes. Therefore, objective tests are used to confirm thyroid disease.

In hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, blood hormone levels are tested. The most sensitive test, which plays the role of the so-called screening is to determine the level of TSH. With hyperthyroidism, this level is lowered, and with hypothyroidism – increased. You can also confirm thyroid disease by testing the level of free (not protein-bound, active) thyroid hormones – free thyroxine (fT4) and free triiodothyronine (fT3). In hyperthyroidism, fT4 levels, especially fT3, are elevated. In hypothyroidism, we observe a reduction in fT4 levels, and fT3 testing in this disease is of less importance. Due to the high sensitivity of the TSH test, it is often observed that the test is “already” disturbed, and other tests are not “yet”. The circulating tests for the level of total thyroxine and triiodothyronine (T4 and T3) as not very sensitive should be considered not very useful, it is better to perform the previously mentioned fT4 and fT3 tests.

In suspected enlargement of the thyroid gland and / or nodules, the leading role is played by ultrasound examination, in justified cases – a biopsy (puncture) of the thyroid nodule in order to collect cells, examine them and exclude the malignant nature of the lesion. In the presence of hyperthyroidism, scintigraphy is useful – testing iodine uptake or similarly behaving substances.

Inflammation of the thyroid gland can be detected by a so-called anti-thyroid antibodies in the blood. ATPO (anti-thyreoperoxidase) antibodies are typical for Hashimoto’s disease, TRAb (anti-TSH receptor) for Graves’ disease. The third known test of aTG (antibodies against thyroglobulin) is of less importance, as it is sometimes elevated in many diseases of the thyroid gland. Inflammation of the thyroid gland usually also shows changes in the structure of the thyroid gland, as seen on ultrasound, and sometimes it is also useful to test the thyroid iodine uptake.

As you can see, if the result of e.g. blood tests is correct, it does not mean that the patient cannot have thyroid nodules. Likewise, a correct ultrasound result does not mean that the patient cannot be underactive or overactive. To assess whether or not there is thyroid disease, at least ultrasound and hormone tests are needed, and depending on these results, also other tests. On the other hand, under no circumstances should thyroid disease be diagnosed on the basis of symptoms and “own belief” alone, without confirmation by the objective tests mentioned above.

Possible symptoms of thyroid disease

What symptoms can thyroid disease cause? In short, we can say: all and none. In the statements of patients, it is noticeable that the problems related to the thyroid gland are over-emphasized, while avoiding other problems – gynecological, related to menopause, andropause, osteoporosis, that is – generally speaking – related to age-related hormonal changes. Very often the diagnosis of thyroid disease – but the wrong assignment of its symptoms, which are not related to this disease – is a “mask” for other, much more dangerous diseases and delay in their treatment.

So what are the symptoms of thyroid disease? Nodules and enlargement of the thyroid gland do not usually cause any symptoms. If the thyroid gland is enlarged, there may be shortness of breath and tightness in the neck area, and difficulty swallowing.

In hyperthyroidism, the following may occur: excitability, hyperhidrosis, weight loss, constant, fast heart beat, and sometimes heart rhythm disturbances. Many patients complain of the feeling of muscle weakness, sometimes swelling of the lower legs appears. If the hyperthyroidism is caused by Graves’ disease, ophthalmopathy may be added, see below.

In hypothyroidism, symptoms of depression usually come to the fore, as well as a decline in intellectual performance. In people with cardiovascular diseases (circulatory failure, hypertension) their symptoms worsen. Dry skin (especially on the elbows and knees), puffiness, weight gain, and sometimes hair thinning are also noticeable. Due to the complex role of thyroid hormones in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, symptoms can vary. It is not so rare – paradoxically – weight gain in the initial phase of hyperactivity or in the case of an overdose of thyroid hormones (thyroid hormones stimulate appetite).

Inflammation of the thyroid gland is often asymptomatic on its own, especially in Hashimoto’s disease. The ailments are related to their consequences, i.e. hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and enlargement of the thyroid gland. In Graves’ inflammation, we can deal with eye disorders – the aforementioned thyroid ophthalmopathy, which is manifested by pain and burning of the eyeballs, sometimes eyelid edema, sometimes exophthalmos and “double” vision. Contrary to popular belief, inflammation of the thyroid gland that causes pain in the neck area (infectious or subacute thyroiditis) is rare.

I would like to emphasize that most of the conditions listed are non-specific conditions that can be caused by hundreds of other causes, not just thyroid disease. There is no basis for linking them to thyroid disease, if objective tests (hormonal tests, ultrasound, etc.) do not confirm it.

Weight disorders

Most patients are prompted by weight disorders to undertake tests to detect or rule out thyroid diseases: being overweight or, on the contrary, suddenly losing weight. Weight disorders can be a consequence of thyroid diseases. Hyperthyroidism, or more precisely, an excess of thyroid hormones (which is called thyrotoxicosis), usually leads to emaciation, because thyroid hormones are substances that stimulate metabolism, which increases the so-called basic metabolism. The mass of energy reserve, i.e. adipose tissue, is reduced, but not only that. Thyrotoxicosis also leads to a reduction in the mass of muscle tissue, and also to bone decalcification. Note – trying to lose weight with the help of pharmacological induction of excess thyroid hormones can lead to dangerous health consequences!

An excess of thyroid hormones also stimulates the appetite, which inevitably leads to an increase in the energy value of the diet. Usually, this effect is over-counteracted by increasing the metabolism, but not always. Sometimes people who want to lose weight with the help of thyroid hormones – paradoxically – get fat. Problems also arise in the treatment of hyperthyroidism – by bringing the hormonal balance to normal, we reduce the metabolism. Meanwhile, eating habits often remain at the current, i.e. incorrect level, therefore, during the treatment of hyperthyroidism, a temporary increase in weight occurs.

The reverse is the case in hypothyroidism. Basal metabolism is going down and weight gain may occur. But the increase in weight in hypothyroidism is not just a consequence of the simple build-up of reserve substances (read: fat). There is a specific type of swelling of water and mucopolysaccharides (a component of connective tissue) in hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism also exacerbates the symptoms of circulatory failure in people suffering from this disease, which also leads to fluid retention in the body and aggravation of edema. In addition, attention should be paid to the factor of depression – and thus restriction of physical activity – usually associated with hypothyroidism, which is another cause of weight gain.

Diagnosis – diseases of the thyroid gland

Misdiagnosis – dangerous consequences

A big problem, especially for people who try their hand at self-diagnosis and self-treatment, is the disorder of thyroid hormone levels for reasons other than thyroid disease. This is a very common situation that does not find its rightful place in popular studies, and therefore causes many mistakes.

The first priority should be the misdiagnosis of hypothyroidism with selectively lowered fT3 levels. Such a situation may be a consequence not of thyroid disease, but of many other serious diseases, where the body, on the basis of self-regulation and “fighting the disease”, limits the conversion of T4 to T3, which is a process beneficial to health. A similar situation occurs with treatment with artificial thyroid hormones. If we abuse them, the body can defend itself to certain limits in the same way.

The second common situation is misdiagnosis of hyperthyroidism with selectively lowered TSH levels. It can also be caused not only by thyroid disease, but also by other severe diseases or the use of multiple medications.

Needless to say, a misdiagnosis of thyroid disease and an attempt to correct the alleged hormonal disorders has dire consequences.

Under no circumstances should a diagnosis of thyroid disease be made on the basis of symptoms and “beliefs” alone, without being confirmed by objective tests.

Most patients are prompted by weight disorders to undertake tests to detect or rule out thyroid disorders: being overweight or, on the contrary, suddenly losing weight.

It is worth using herbs as an auxiliary in the treatment of thyroid diseases. We recommend, for example, a thyroid set consisting of organic tea, a dietary supplement with licorice root and evening primrose oil.

Worth knowing

What if not the thyroid?

It happens that a patient suspected of having thyroid disease does not have thyroid disorders. Therefore, it is worth knowing what symptoms of other diseases are often mistakenly associated by patients with thyroid diseases.

• Cough, coughing up secretions – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD is often mistakenly equated with asthma). These symptoms have nothing to do with thyroid disease.

• Pain around the neck – the subgroup of inflammations of the thyroid gland that causes pain around the neck is actually rare. In most cases, these symptoms are caused by diseases of the spine, esophagus, or an infection in the respiratory tract.

• Pressure around the neck and difficulty swallowing – a very large thyroid can cause these symptoms. If we only detect small nodules (as is usual), this is a false lead. What could be the reason? Read below.

• Hoarseness and speech disorder – this can happen after thyroid surgery or in large infiltrating thyroid tumors (certainly not in the case of small nodules). Usually, such symptoms are the result of laryngeal diseases. Either way, the occurrence of these ailments requires an ENT evaluation to detect or rule out laryngeal disease.

• Dyspnoea – can occur with a large thyroid narrowing the lumen of the trachea, and with small nodules – absolutely not.

• Overweight / obesity – although it can be a consequence of hypothyroidism, it is even more common without the disease. The main causes of obesity are genetic, nutritional and environmental factors (lack of exercise, sports interests, main evening meal, etc.). It is worth remembering about the phenomenon of reducing the need for calories with age, so the translation “I eat as much as I used to get fat” does not explain anything.

Read more in Thyroid Lumps!

Text: Jacek Belowski, MD, PhD, specialist in endocrinology, specialist in internal diseases, Medical Center “Osteomed” in Krakow

Source: Let’s live longer