What is Thyroid Treatment?
Thyroid treatment involves medical interventions to manage disorders affecting the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. The thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy production, and hormone balance by producing thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones. Thyroid disorders can result in either hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), leading to a range of health complications. Treatment options vary depending on the condition and may include medications, hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, surgery or radioactive iodine therapy.
Causes of Thyroid Disorders:
- Autoimmune Disorders: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis – The immune system attacks the thyroid, leading to hypothyroidism.Parasitic infections – Malaria, typhoid, leptospirosis.
- Iodine Deficiency or Excess: Deficiency – The thyroid needs iodine to produce hormones; lack of iodine can cause hypothyroidism and goiter.
- Thyroid Nodules or Tumors: Abnormal growths on the thyroid may overproduce hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism.
- Inflammation of the Thyroid (Thyroiditis): Viral or bacterial infections can cause temporary hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism.
- Congenital Hypothyroidism (Birth Defects): Some babies are born with an underdeveloped or missing thyroid gland, leading to lifelong hypothyroidism.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders:
- Depression and Mood Changes – Feeling low, irritable, or mentally sluggish.
- Memory Problems (Brain Fog) – Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness.
- Constipation – Slower digestion leading to infrequent bowel movements.
- Hand Tremors (Shaking Hands) – Involuntary shaking of hands or fingers.
- Increased Sweating and Heat Intolerance – Feeling excessively warm.
- Puffy Face and Swelling – Fluid retention causing facial puffiness and swollen limbs.
- Weight Gain – Unexplained increase in body weight despite normal diet and activity levels.
