Thyroid Problems
The thyroid gland is blamed for all sorts of problems, from obesity to hyperactivity. What does it really do? What are the symptoms of thyroid problems? How can I find out if my thyroid is functioning normally? Is there any treatment available for thyroid problems?
Function – The thyroid gland regulates our metabolism through the production of thyroid hormone. Our brain tells our thyroid gland how much hormone to make, by sending out Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) to it as a messenger. The thyroid gland responds by making hormone that is stored as Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 is the stored, relatively inactive form of the hormone, T4 is the active form.
Symptoms of Thyroid Problems – Thyroid hormone speeds up metabolism in general- it increases heart rate, blood pressure, blood flow and burns fat. Too much thyroid hormone can cause high blood pressure, tremors and heart failure as well as swelling of the legs and heart rhythm disorders. Too little can cause slow heart rates, high cholesterol, weight gain, poor brain function, heart failure and a generalized swelling of the body called “myxedema”. Both conditions can cause enlargement of the gland (”goiter”).
Is my thyroid function normal – Too often, people blame their obesity and high cholesterol on low thyroid function when that is not the cause. In order to determine whether your thyroid is functioning normally, you should see your physician and tell him or her your symptoms. After examining you, the doctor may order blood tests that determine the levels of the three hormones- T3, T4 and TSH. These will tell him not only whether your thyroid is functioning normally but also, if it is abnormal, whether the abnormality is in the thyroid gland or in low production of TSH.
Thyroid Problems Treatment: If your thyroid function is low, you can take synthetic thyroid hormone in tablet form. The dose will be titrated, starting from a low level, so you do not get symptoms from too much hormone. If the thyroid hormone levels are too high, you may be given medication to block the production of thyroid hormone by the gland, or a radioactive pill may be prescribed that destroys a small portion of the gland. Another rare form of thyroid abnormality is a mass in the gland. A mass may be overactive gland tissue or it diagnose this. may be malignant. A physician’s examination and a scan of the gland will be required to