All You Need To Know About Thyroid Disorders: Symptoms & Treatments

Thyroid disorder can be described as an imbalance in the thyroid gland. Low or high secretion of the thyroid gland can cause several illnesses like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.  A thyroid imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of them are genetic, hormonal imbalance, or iodine deficiency. 

Since there is no specific repercussion of thyroid imbalance, there can be many symptoms that are linked to each of the medical conditions. The scientist has divided the symptoms into two categories.    

The first one is hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid where the secretion of the thyroid is more than required. And the second one is hyperthyroidism or underactive thyroid where the secretion of thyroid hormone is less. 

Symptoms Of Hyperthyroidism - 

• Anxiety, and irritability

• Interrupted sleep pattern

• Sudden weight loss

• Experiencing enlarged thyroid gland ( also known by the name of a goitre)

• Muscle weakness 

• Unexpected imbalance in the menstrual cycle

• Heat sensitivity

• Vision problems or unusual eye irritation

Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism -

• Fatigue

• Weight gain

• Forgetfulness

• Frequent and heavy period blood flow

• Dry and coarse hair

• Hoarse voice

• Intolerance towards cold temperatures

The basic medical diagnoses of thyroid level include blood test which determines whether it is hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. After the basic diagnosis, the doctor will analyze your medical and family history to proceed with further analysis. 

Post diagnoses, your doctor will describe your treatment options as per the type of thyroid disorder you are diagnosed with. 

Treatment Of Thyroid Disorder - 

In Case A Person Is Diagnosed With Hyperthyroidism - 

• Medications like antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, and beta-blockers will be prescribed to lower down the production of thyroid and prevent your body from further damage. 

• Surgery is advised in rare cases when the level of the thyroid is cannot be controlled by medications. The doctor will surgically remove the thyroid gland to stop the production. However, the patient has to take hypothyroidism medications to generate the level of thyroid in the body. 

In Case A Person Is Diagnosed With Hypothyroidism - 

• The only way to increase the level of thyroid in your body is to take thyroid replacement medication. Is an artificial method used to increase the levels of thyroid in an individual’s body. 

Since thyroid disease cannot be fully cured the treatments mentioned above (except surgery) will last long throughout the patient’s life. In case of surgery one also needs to resume the medication as prescribed by the doctor for the rest of their life.