Causes of Thyroid Disease
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck. The thyroid produces hormones that control how your body uses energy. Your thyroid gland regulates every cell and organ in your body.
You may also develop an abnormal growth in your thyroid gland, which can cause a lump or nodule. Without proper treatment, this can lead to serious problems such as heart disease and cancer.
Types of Thyroid Disease
It is important to note that there are two types of thyroid disease: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, while hypothyroidism is when your thyroid produces too little thyroid hormone.
Hyperthyroidism can cause symptoms such as anxiety, fast heartbeat, weight loss, and fatigue just to name a few.
Hypothyroidism on the other hand can cause symptoms such as weight gain; fatigue; muscle aches; constipation or diarrhea; dry skin; depression; and hair loss just to name a few.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
1. Weight gain or weight loss without trying.
2. Difficulty concentrating and/or indecisiveness.
3. Feeling tired all the time, despite getting plenty of sleep (fatigue).
4. Dry skin and hair.
5. Frequent bowel movements with diarrhea or constipation.
Thyroid Disease Diagnosed and Evaluated
Based on the symptoms, a doctor will likely perform a physical exam to determine whether the thyroid is enlarged and order blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels. If blood tests reveal signs of abnormal thyroid activity, or a thyroid nodule is found and thyroid cancer needs to be excluded, further testing will be required, such as:
1. Thyroid Scan and Uptake
2. Ultrasound
3. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy
4. Imaging tests (CT scan, PET/CT scan, whole body iodine scan)
Treatment for Thyroid Disease
Dr. Ram (Thyroid Treatment Doctor) is among the most qualified and experienced in their field. Our goal is to return your thyroid hormone levels to normal. This can be done in a variety of ways and each specific treatment will depend on the cause of your thyroid condition.
Hyperthyroidism
If you have high levels of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism), treatment options can include:
1. Anti-thyroid drugs (methimazole and propylthiouracil)
2. Radioactive iodine
3. Beta-blockers
4. Surgery to remove your thyroid
Hypothyroidism
If you have low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism), the main treatment option is:
Thyroid Replacement Medication: This drug is a synthetic (man-made) way to add thyroid hormones back into your body. One drug that’s commonly used is called levothyroxine. By using a medication, you can manage thyroid disease and live a normal life. Patients who take this medication will need blood tests every 6 months to make sure that their dose is correct.
Dr. Ram ENT Hospital is a leading ENT hospital in North India. We provide the best ENT treatment in Punjab and other parts of North India. We offer the latest treatment options for patients suffering from thyroid disorders. We offer complete care for patients suffering from thyroid disease, including treatment for hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, and thyroid nodules. We offer advanced microscopic surgery for the removal of thyroid nodules or cancerous cells from the thyroid gland.