The thyroid gland is one component of the endocrine gland located on the neck just below the Adams apple. It is responsible for the production of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) hormones in the human body that are secreted into the blood system.
These two hormones are responsible for the regulation of metabolism in the body. The Cytomel Tabs have proven to be very effective, especially for the treatment of T3. It is normally combined with the T4 medication.
Thyroid Gland Disorders
Below is the highlight of some common disorders affecting the thyroid gland.
Hyperthyroidism
Commonly it is initiated by an over active gland that secrets too much hormones into the body system. It is more prevalent in women than in men.
Excessive production of thyroid hormones is manifested by the following symptoms in the body
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Brittle nails and hair
- Rapid sweating
- Muscle and joint weakness
- Increased heartbeat
- Frequent irritation
- Insomnia
Diagnosis and treatment
Radioactive iodine is administered via an injection or orally to gauge the activity level of your thyroid. Too much iodine intake is a signal that your gland is over-producing hormones. Treatment involves:
- Administration of antithyroid drugs like Liothyronine to prevent overproduction of hormones.
- Thyroid glands can be removed surgically to stop the production of hormones.
Hypothyroidism
This disorder is brought about by an underactive thyroid gland. There is little production and secretion of hormones in the body. Its commons symptoms are:
- Fatigue
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Increased body weight
- Dry skin
- Decreased heartbeat
- In extreme cases can lead to a coma
Treatment is via surgical removal of the thyroid glands or through radiation therapy.
Graves’ disease
Named after the doctor who prescribed it, Graves’ disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland system mistaking it as a pathogen. This disease is hereditary and can occur at any age to both men and women but is more prevalent in women between the ages of 20 to 30 years.
Often it is associated with smoking, pregnancy, and high levels of stress.
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Diarrhoea
- Goita
- Low visibility and bulging eyes
- Infrequent menstrual cycle
- High blood pressure
Treatment
There is no recommended treatment that can stop the immune system from attacking the thyroid gland. Basically, the disease can just be controlled via the following combination of treatment.
- To control sweating and anxiety, Beta-blockers is administered
- Antithyroids like Liothyronineare are administered to stop the overproduction of hormones
- Surgical removal of thyroid glands
Goiter
Goiter is the abnormal enlargement and growth of the thyroid glands caused by the lack of iodine in nutrition. This disease can be caused by exposer to radiation, pregnancy, family history, and administration of certain medications. Affect people of all age groups more so in areas where they consume foods that are iodine deficient.
Symptoms
- Swelling on the neck
- Difficulties in swallowing and breathing
- Wheezing and coughing
- A hoarse voice
Thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer is most prevalent among children and middle-aged adults between the ages of 15 to 19 years old. Symptoms include:
- Swollen glands
- Difficulties in swallowing and breathing
- A choke like feeling on the neck
- Development and growth of a lump on the neck
- Hoarse and course voice.
If detected early enough during the first stage, the glands can be removed surgically. Chemotherapy is administered for the treatment of cancer.
Conclusion
You should visit the nearest hospital to be tested for Thyroid in case you have any of the above symptoms. However, you don’t need to be worried about Thyroid since it is easily treatable.
