There are different types of thyroid disorders. It should be diagnosed and treated accordingly.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. Co-secretes the hormones ‘triiodothyronine’ and ‘thyroxine’ with iodine and the amino acid tyrosine. They mix in the blood and travel to various organs and tissues of the body.
Thyroid hormone plays an important role in determining brain development in children and metabolic functions in adults. Hypothyroidism, caused by undersecretion of thyroid hormone, affects women more than men.
Levothyroxine tablets are prescribed for this with symptoms like tiredness, fatigue, constipation, dry skin, weight gain. Hypothyroidism does not cause problems in conceiving. Excessive secretion is hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include palpitations, diarrhea, weight loss, and excessive sweating and may require medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery.
Apart from these, thyroid nodules are round, egg-shaped growths in the thyroid gland. These do not cause any harm. There is a lump in the neck, difficulty in swallowing, breathing, hoarseness of voice. A ‘biopsy’ is done and treated accordingly.