Health

Thyroid problems: Causes and treatment

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, just above the collarbone. One of the many endocrine glands in the body, it produces hormones responsible for controlling most of the common bodily activities.

Thyroid problems include:

● Goitre – enlargement of the thyroid gland
● Hyperthyroidism – when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs
● Hypothyroidism – when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones
● Thyroid cyst – fluid-filled cavities formed as a result of degenerative adenoma.
● Thyroid cancer – Tumour formation in the thyroid gland. Causes involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
● Thyroid nodules – lumps in the thyroid gland
● Thyroiditis – swelling of the thyroid
Patients with a Thyroid disorder have often experienced the following symptoms:
● Weight gain or loss
● Fatigue, hair loss
● Hoarseness of voice
● Irregular menstrual cycles
● Muscle weakness
● Constipation
● Swelling of the legs or feet
● Dry skin
● Slow heart rate or lowering down of the heart rate
● Sleep disorders
● Depression
● Irritability

Thyroid treatment

Thyroid treatment may vary with the type of disorder to suit different needs. If you have a thyroid disorder, you are likely to be prescribed medications that will help bring your hormone levels back to normal and relieve your symptoms. Hyperthyroidism treatment usually involves radioactive iodine, medication and sometimes surgery. Thyroid cyst treatment ranges from medication to surgery based upon the severity. In case you have been suffering from bodyweight problems, you may also need to make changes in your diet and introduce new exercise routines along with the best thyroid medication for weight loss. Lifestyle changes will help control your weight, including eating a healthy diet and increasing exercise. Some people find that eating smaller meals throughout the day helps reduce feelings of fullness after eating and helps improve energy levels. Treatment for dry skin might include applying moisturisers or taking an oatmeal bath, drinking more water and keeping yourself well-hydrated. An internal medicine doctor or a pediatric endocrinologist can suggest the best options available according to the chronic thyroid condition.

More about hormone and radioactive therapy:

Thyroid disorders can often be effectively treated with hormone replacement therapy, which generally uses drugs like levothyroxine. In radioactive iodine treatment, the body’s own thyroid cells absorb radioactive iodine and then destroy themselves, thereby reducing the production of harmful hormones. Thyroid replacement surgery or transplantation of healthy thyroid cells is another option that has shown positive results in restoring proper thyroid function. This kind of treatment is usually suggested to patients with less tolerance towards other forms of treatment or who do not prefer medications for the rest of their lives.

Though synthetic thyroxine is often consumed during treatment, it also needs to be closely monitored so that the body hormone levels remain in the normal range. There are some rare but potentially serious side effects associated with levothyroxine therapy, such as a change in heart rate. Hence, it is important to let your doctor know if you experience any problems while taking this medication.

There are many different thyroid treatments available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. It is important to work closely with your doctor to optimise treatment plans, manage chronic conditions and achieve positive health outcomes best suited to your individual needs. Just type best internal medicine doctors near me or best endocrinologist near me and get easy access to award-winning super specialists who can provide an expert second opinion to relieve symptoms and return back to normal life. Consult an internal medicine doctor or a pediatric endocrinologist (if your child is suffering from chronic thyroid symptoms) virtually to learn more about affordable and convenient thyroid disorder treatments. Get the right treatment itinerary from the comfort and safety of your home.