Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are growths of cells or lumps in the thyroid gland. Most thyroid nodules are not cancer which may not cause problems, in case if they are identified as cancerous then surgery may be carried out in such instance. Most thyroid nodules does not cause any symptoms at all.

Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid gland produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) that play an important role in the body functions. If thyroid gland produces too much T4 and T3, it leads to hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is an endocrine disorder leads, to excessive production of thyroid hormone due to over active thyroid gland. Symptoms involve rapid heartbeat, weight loss, excessive sweating, anxiety and nervousness.

Hypohyroidism
Decreased production of thyroid hormone by thyroid gland results in hypothyrodism. Symptoms includes tiredness, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, muscle weakness, depression, impaired memory and cretinism in children. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by measuring the levels of Thyroid hormone.

Thyroid Test
Thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located in front part of neck, which is involved in production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid tests involve series of blood tests used to measure function of thyroid gland. Blood tests used to measure TSH, T4, T3 and Free T4 are readily available and widely used.

Thyroxine
Thyroxine also known as T4 is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland and is one of the most important thyroid hormones. Thyroxine plays a key role in every process in the body, including regulating body temperature, growth, and heart rate. It is the inactive form, which is converted into active form called triiodothyronine by liver and kidneys.

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
Excessive production of thyroid hormones (T3 or T4) leads to hyperthyroidism.The symptoms of hyperthyroidism includes hand tremors, mood swings, rapid heartbeat, skin dryness, fatigue or muscle weakness, nervousness or anxiety, trouble sleeping, light periods or skipping periods,

TSH Test
A TSH test is performed to identify the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in blood. TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, which tells the thyroid gland, to make and release thyroid hormones into the blood.Thyroid tests involve series of blood tests used to measure function of thyroid gland. Blood tests used to measure TSH, T4, T3 and Free T4 are readily available and widely used.

Thyroid Cancer
The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones which plays key role in normal regulation of the body metabolism. The cause of thyroid cancer is unknown, but it may be due to exposure to high levels of radiation, and certain hereditary syndromes. Thyroid cancer includes papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic thyroid cancer.

Iodine Supplements
Iodine is essential element for normal body regulation which plays key role in our DNA, it boosts our immune system, stabilizes our metabolism. Iodine is a required by thyroid gland, for synthesis T3 and T4 hormones, which are important for regulating body’s metabolism. Iodine deficiency can be treated by administering iodine supplements.

TSH Levels
Hypothalamus releases a substance called thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) which stimulates the production of TSH by pituitary gland. A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test is performed to check for thyroid gland related problems. TSH causes the thyroid gland to produce two hormones namely triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

Parathyroid Hormone
PTH controls the levels calcium and phosphorus in the blood. PTH is four pea-sized glands that lie behind the thyroid gland. A parathyroid hormone (PTH) blood test identifies the level of parathyroid hormone in the blood. This test is used to detect hyperparathyroidism, to check the status of chronic kidney disease, to find the cause of abnormal calcium levels.

Iodine Deficiency
Iodine is a trace element found in human body, which is involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Iodine is a vital for growth and development, deficiency may result in many growth abnormalities. Variation of thyroid hormones results in either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Decrease levels of iodine results in thyroid gland enlargement known as Goiter. Iodine deficiency may lead to various abnormalities like goiter, hypothyroidism, decreased fertility rate, cretinism and mental retardation.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms
Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder also known as underactive thyroid disease, in which thyroid gland does not make required amount of thyroid hormone. Symptoms includes constipation, dry skin, coarse and thinning hair, brittle nails, a yellowish tint to the skin, feeling tired, sluggish, or weak, cold skin, slow body movements and heavy or irregular menstrual periods, inability to tolerate cold, memory problems and depression.

Thyroid Symptoms
Deficiency of thyroid hormones leads to thyroid disorders either hypo or hyperthyroidism symptoms includes excessive fatigue, sweating profusely, intolerance to heat, rapid heart rate, concentration problem, slight tremor in the limbs, irregular menstrual cycle, unexplained weight loss, dry skin, repeated bouts of constipation, feeling cold all the time, depression, extreme fatigue, bloating or fluid retention in the body.

Thyroid Treatment
Hypothyroidism is treated by administering thyroid replacement drugs. Hyperthyroidism is treated by reducing the excess hormone levels by administering ant thyroid drugs or by radioactive iodine (radioiodine ablation) treatment or by surgical treatment (complete or partial removal of thyroid) termed as thyroidectomy.

Goiter
Enlargement of thyroid gland leads to goiter. The thyroid gland enlarges in order to comply with the pituitary’s demands. Symptoms includes enlargement of the throat, which may range from a small lump to a huge mass, breathing problems, swallowing problems. Goiter may be of two types endemic and sporadic goiter.