Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland. It is located in the front of the neck. It has a strong resemblance to the form of a butterfly. Additionally, it is one of the largest endocrine glands, weighing between 25 – 30 g on average. This gland is divided into two lobes on either side of the trachea, each measuring 4–6 cm in length and 1.3–1.8 cm in breadth.

The thyroid gland’s principal role is to secrete two hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Both T3 and T4 hormones are critical and affect virtually every tissue in the body.

Location of the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is positioned between the C5 and T1 vertebrae in the front neck. It is composed of two lobes, each with parathyroid glands on the posterior surface.

Thyroid Hormones

Thyroid hormones are divided into two types:

T4 stands for thyroxine (Tetraiodothyronine)

T3 stands for triiodothyronine.

T4

Thyroxine is a hormone produced into the bloodstream by the thyroid gland. It is then transformed in organs such as the kidneys and liver to its active form triiodothyronine.

T3

It is a thyroid hormone that has an effect on a variety of physiological processes, including growth, development, and metabolism.

Symptoms of Thyroid Disease

Occasionally, the signs of a thyroid problem are not readily apparent. This is because a variety of other reasons might create identical symptoms, and treatment is typically determined by the symptoms. Excessive fatigue, for example, maybe associated with sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or other conditions, but the underlying symptoms may be thyroid-related. The following are some of the most prevalent symptoms:

Nervousness

• Inability to concentrate and retain knowledge
• Modifications in menstrual cycle
• Increased Heart rate
• Aches in the muscles
• Weight gain
• A high cholesterol level

Disorders of the Thyroid Gland

Numerous ailments and diseases can affect the thyroid gland. These complications may be caused by excessive hormone release, abnormal gland growth, or cancerous tumours. Additionally, experts hypothesised a link between stress and thyroid health. Stress, on the other hand, may exacerbate the underlying thyroid disease. Several common thyroid disorders include the following:

Goitre

It is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that frequently obstructs the oesophagus or other organs in the neck and chest, making eating and breathing difficult.

Cancer of the thyroid

It is a relatively prevalent type of cancer. However, when compared to other types of cancer, the prospects of survival for a thyroid cancer patient are fairly good. Thyroid cancer is classified into four subtypes:

• Thyroid carcinoma with papillary growth
• Thyroid cancer follicular
• Cancer of the medulla
• Thyroid cancer that is anaplastic

Hyperthyroidism

This disorder occurs when the thyroid glands create an overabundance of the hormone thyroxine. Changes in appetite, sudden weight loss, insomnia, exhaustion, irritability, frequent urination, excessive sweating, and heat sensitivity are some of the symptoms. However, with appropriate treatment and medicine, this disease typically cures within a few months.

Hypothyroidism

This disease is caused by insufficient thyroid hormone secretion. It is a relatively common occurrence that frequently goes undetected for years. One of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune illness. In this illness, the body’s antibodies assault the thyroid gland, causing the glands to generate fewer hormones.

Treatment of Thyroid

The most frequently used treatment for thyroid issues such as hyperthyroidism is to substitute another synthetic man-made hormone called levothyroxine( or L-thyroxine) for thyroxine . It is an injectable and an oral drug that can help restore thyroid gland homeostasis. Patients will see a reduction in hyperthyroidism symptoms within a few weeks after starting medication.

Radiation can be used to successfully treat thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer might be difficult to diagnose at times since it exhibits no symptoms or indicators. A routine checkup is critical for preventing the spread of such disorders.