Thyroid Disorder

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck, just over the windpipe. It produces iodine-containing hormones which regulate the rate at which body cells use energy and produce heat.

Definition of Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck, just over the windpipe. It produces iodine-containing hormones which regulate the rate at which body cells use energy and produce heat.

The growth and development of all the body''s tissues are dependent on the thyroid gland''s proper functioning. If the thyroid gland is either overactive or underactive, it can create health problems.

Causes of Thyroid Disorders

Your thyroid gland produces two main hormones, thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3), that influence every cell in your body. They maintain the rate at which your body uses fats and carbohydrates, help control your body temperature, influence your heart rate and help regulate the production of protein. Your thyroid gland also produces calcitonin, a hormone that regulates the amount of calcium in your blood.

Thyroiditis is caused by an attack on the thyroid gland. The attack causes inflammation (the body''s response to injury) and damages the thyroid cells. Usually, the attack on the thyroid is from antibodies made by the body''s immune system, but it can also be caused by an infection or certain medications.

Symptoms And Clinical Suspicion Of Thyroid Dysfunction

Thyroid Goitre, thyroid bruit, fine tremor, weight loss, increased appetite, lid lag, sweating, heat intolerance, family history, lethargy, weight gain, hoarseness, dry skin, hair loss, cold intolerance, delayed reflex, constipation, short stature.
Cardiovascular Recent myocardial infarction, chronic cardiac failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, pulse >90/min, hypertension.

Kids with hypothyroidism tend to feel tired and not have much energy. Their hearts might beat slower and they may feel cold when the temperature of the room is comfortable for everyone else. Their hair may become brittle and break off more easily, and their skin may be dry and look pale and yellowish.

Elderly patients, particularly those with toxic nodular goiter, may present atypically (apathetic or masked hyperthyroidism) with symptoms more akin to depression or dementia. Most do not have exophthalmos or tremor. Atrial fibrillation, syncope, altered sensorium, heart failure, and weakness are more likely.

Diagnosis of Thyroid Disorders

Measuring the blood levels of hormones secreted by the thyroid gland, and the pituitary gland which controls it, is the most common test for detecting thyroid gland disorders.


To assess thyroid hormone levels and the function of the thyroid, several tests are performed that measure the amount of several thyroid and pituitary hormones in the blood. Other tests include radioactive iodine uptake and thyroid scanning.

Treatment of Thyroid Disorders

In hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone restores metabolism to normal. Most people with hyperthyroidism ultimately take thyroid hormone since the approach to treatment usually means shutting off the natural levels of hormone.

In hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone restores metabolism to normal. Most people with hyperthyroidism ultimately take thyroid hormone since the approach to treatment usually means shutting off the natural levels of hormone. Today''s thyroid medicine of choice is levothyroxine sodium.

Medication is also a first-line option, but should typically not be used without behavioral therapy. At this time there are only a few medications that are approved for the treatment of ADHD. One class of drugs is called stimulants, and they work to improve concentration and allow the child or adult to focus on activities.

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