Thyroid Disorders FAQs - Answers To Your Most Common Questions!!

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland situated in the front of the neck below the voice box. It secretes the Thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormone is important for controlling the body's metabolism(heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, growth, etc.) and is required by all cells for their normal functioning.

What are the common disorders of the thyroid gland?

The common disorders of the thyroid gland are:

1. Hypothyroidism: Most commonly primary hypothyroidism is due to Hashimoto's Thyroiditis which occurs due to cellular elements called antibodies.
2. Hyperthyroidism: The over functioning thyroid gland is less common than Hypothyroidism and is also most commonly due to antibodies.

What are the symptoms of the thyroid disorders?

1. Hyperthyroidism: Nervousness, Tremors, Sweating, Mental fogginess, sleeping difficulty, Menstrual irregularities, weakness, aches, pains, palpitations, Weight loss, heat intolerance, sweating.
2. Hypothyroidism: Weakness, lethargy, Aches, pains, Menstrual irregularities, Cold intolerance, weight gain, feeling bloated, Lack of concentration, dry hair, dry skin, constipation.

How can I be diagnosed?

You need to do a blood test- T3, T4, TSH

Can we prevent the development of thyroid disorder?

No. They are mostly auto-immune in nature, that is elements of our body act against our own cells. They are not in our control.

What are the precautions to be taken?

No specific food are to be taken or avoided for autoimmune thyroid diseases. In Grave's Disease, intake of De-iodinised salt may help. For Iodine deficiency, goiter food is known as goitrogens (like Cabbage, soya bean, broccoli, cauliflower etc). are being taken in excess.

What is a goiter?

Any enlargement of the thyroid gland is called a goiter. It may be due to hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or iodine deficiency.

If I have a thyroid disease, will I have Goiter?

Not necessary. You have thyroid diseases in a gland which is normal sized or not visibly enlarged.

Can I get pregnant if I have thyroid diseases?

Yes. For best pregnancy outcomes it is desirable to have a planned pregnancy. See your doctor before planning a pregnancy.

What is the treatment?

Treatment for hypothyroidism is hormone replacement in the form of tablets. For hyperthyroidism, there are various treatment options including oral medication, Radioactive iodine therapy, and Surgery.

Will I gain weight due to Hypothyroidism?

Only 2-3 kg of weight can be directly gained due to hypothyroidism. Some are due to slowed metabolism and rest is due to lifestyle. So, even if you attain normal thyroid function, you may lose some weight but will need to put in an effort to normalize your body weight.

Can I develop Cancer?

Yes. There is about 6-8%chances of developing adenoma(tumor) in multi-nodular goiter. But thyroid tumor is usually slow growing and rarely cancerous. If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult an endocrinologist.