Basic Anatomy & Function

• Location: In the front of the neck, wrapped around the trachea (windpipe).
• Structure: Two lobes (right and left) connected by a thin piece of tissue called the isthmus.
• Hormones Produced:
  • Thyroxine (T4)
  • Triiodothyronine (T3)
  • Calcitonin (involved in calcium regulation)

These hormones control:

• Metabolism
• Heart rate
• Body temperature
• Energy levels
• Growth and development (especially in children)

🩺 Common Thyroid Disorders

1. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

• Causes: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, certain medications
• Symptoms:
  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Cold intolerance
  • Dry skin
  • Depression
  • Slowed heart rate

2. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

• Causes: Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules
• Symptoms:
  • Weight loss
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Nervousness or irritability
  • Heat intolerance
  • Tremors
  • Insomnia

3. Goiter

• Enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may be due to iodine deficiency, inflammation, or other thyroid conditions.

4. Thyroid Nodules

• Lumps or abnormal growths within the thyroid.
• Can be benign or cancerous.

5. Thyroid Cancer

• Generally treatable and often curable.
• Types include papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer.

🧪 Diagnosis of Thyroid Problems

• Blood Tests:
  • TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)
  • Free T4 and T3
  • Thyroid antibodies (for autoimmune thyroid disease)
• Imaging:
  • Ultrasound (to evaluate nodules or enlargement)
  • Thyroid scan (radioactive iodine uptake)
  • Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) biopsy (to test nodules)

💊 Treatment Options

• Medications:
  • Levothyroxine (for hypothyroidism)
  • Antithyroid drugs like methimazole (for hyperthyroidism)
• Radioactive Iodine Therapy:
  • To shrink the thyroid or treat hyperthyroidism
• Surgery (Thyroidectomy):
  • Partial or total removal of the thyroid, often for large goiters, nodules, or cancer
• Lifestyle: Iodine intake through diet (too little or too much can affect thyroid function)

🔍 When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you notice:

• Persistent fatigue
• Unexplained weight changes
• Neck swelling or lump
• Heart palpitations
• Changes in mood or energy levels