The thyroid gland is located in the neck, just under the larynx, or voice box. The thyroid secretes two hormones: thyroxine, or T4, and triiodothyronine, or T3. Hormones T4 and T3 stimulate metabolism and promote cellular oxygen consumption. Disruption in thyroid hormone production and secretion can lead to hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or postpartum thyroiditis. Thyroid conditions are common, with over 20 million people under treatment, according to 2007 information from Columbia Medical Center.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an over production of thyroid hormones, which leads to excessive metabolism. It is diagnosed with a single blood test to measure the thyroid hormone levels. There are several forms of hyperthyroidism; however, the most common type is Grave’s disease. Researchers believe Grave’s disease is caused by an antibody that over stimulates the thyroid gland. Symptoms include weakness, nervousness, weight loss, confusion, brittle hair, increased sweating, fast heart rate, irregular menstrual cycles, goiter, bulging eyes and thickened skin over the shin area, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Treatments, listed by the University of Maryland Medical Center, include a single dose of radioactive iodine to calm the hyperactive state, or surgery to remove a portion of the thyroid gland; both treatments may lead to hypothyroidism and the need for medication to replace thyroid hormones.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is characterized by the underproduction of thyroid hormones. It is diagnosed by a single blood test to measure the thyroid hormone levels. Symptoms include weakness, constipation, weight gain, dry skin, puffy face, droopy eyes, hoarse voice, slow heart rate, confusion, thinned eyebrows and increased menstrual flow, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. The most common form of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is inflammation of the thyroid cells resulting in cellular destruction. To replace thyroid hormones, medication such as levothyroxine, or Synthroid, is prescribed, according to Columbia University Medial Center.
Postpartum Thyroiditis
A complication to pregnancy is postpartum thyroiditis, a condition characterized by the inflammation of the thyroid gland after delivery. Although the cause is unknown, postpartum thyroiditis can lead to either hyper- or hypothyroidism. Symptoms of postpartum thyroiditis that leads to hyperthyroidism include muscle weakness, high anxiety, rapid heart rate, weight loss and feeling hot. If the condition results in hypothyroidism, symptoms may include constipation, tiredness, intolerance to cold, muscle cramping, weakness and weight gain. Diagnosis includes a blood test to measure the levels of hormones and radioactive iodine uptake test to assess the thyroid tissue. If the condition leads to hyperthyroidism, treatment is usually not necessary; however, if hypothyroidism is present, medication to replace the thyroid hormones is indicated, according to The University of Rochester Medical Center.
Thyroid Cancer
There are several types of thyroid cancer including anaplastic, follicular, medullary, and papillary carcinoma. Thyroid cancer presents as a nodule, or lump, on the thyroid gland. A hoarse voice may be present, produced by the pressure exerted by the tumor on the voice box. X-ray examination, radioisotope scanning, needle biopsy, transillumination and ultrasonic examination are methods to diagnose thyroid cancer. Treatment is dependent upon the cancer type and includes surgical removal, radiation, chemotherapy and thyroid hormone replacement, according to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Thyroid Nodules
A thyroid nodule is a growth on the thyroid gland and can be cancerous, or benign. Some nodules are cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, and others stem from thyroid cells. Caused usually by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or iodine deficiency, thyroid nodules are not treated if benign. If the nodules are cancerous, treatment protocol includes surgical removal of the nodule, followed by radiation or chemotherapy, and thyroid hormone replacement medication, according to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
