Each January is National Thyroid Awareness Month, a time focused on raising awareness, and providing health education about thyroid diseases, their symptoms, and possible treatment. According to the American Thyroid Association, roughly 20 million Americans are facing some sort of thyroid disorder. Some people may be experiencing symptoms that line up with thyroid issues, and may not be aware of it. Our goal this month at The Surgical Clinic is to provide you with further knowledge about Thyroid diseases so that you can be aware of the signs to look for, important screenings and testings, and ways to treat different types of thyroid disorders.
What is Your Thyroid?
Your Thyroid is a gland located in the lower front of the neck, similar to the shape of a butterfly. It consists of two lobes connected by a band of tissue, and is situated just below the Adam’s apple. Your thyroid produces hormones that work to regulate several bodily functions like your endocrine health which impacts your metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature.
The main two hormones of the thyroid are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T3 and T4 are both the hormones that impact the metabolism of body cells, influencing how we think, feel, and the way our body creates energy from food. The thyroid gland controls the release of these hormones, which in turn regulate various physiological functions, from digestion to bone health, including the levels of thyroid hormone circulating in the bloodstream.
When the thyroid gland is functioning optimally, it maintains a delicate balance of hormone levels. If there is any disruption in this balance it can lead to significant health issues. Too much or too little of T3 or T4 can greatly impact your weight, body temperature, digestion and mood.
What Are Thyroid Diseases?
If your thyroid is not functioning properly, you may develop a Thyroid disease. The most common thyroid disease is hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, both of which can cause different changes.
Hypothyroidism
Also known as overactive thyroid disease, this condition occurs when your thyroid gland produces excess levels of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. Additionally, this thyroid disease can increase your body’s metabolism, causing weight loss and an irregular heartbeat. This condition is often caused by:
- Hashimoto’s Disease: An autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system creates anti-bodies that attack the thyroid glands.
- Iodine Deficiency: A lack of iodine in the body, a mineral that helps to convert food into energy.
- Medications: Long term use of medications like lithium, tricyclic anti-depressants, rifampin, and hormonal birth control.
- Pituitary Disease: A disease where the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, develops too little or too much of a specific hormone.
- Birth Defect: When the thyroid gland is not properly developed or not present at birth.
Talk with your doctor about any possible risk factors with taking any of the medications above. They will be able to assess your past, and current, medical conditions to determine what the right steps are for you.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Sensitivity to cold
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Depression
- Puffy face
Treatments for hypothyroidism include:
- Medication: If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your provider may prescribe a thyroid medication like Levothyroxine.
- Foods: Certain foods may help to treat hypothyroidism and its symptoms like eggs, legumes, foods high in vitamin D, B12, and magnesium.
- Exercise: Staying active can help with hypothyroidism from cycling to swimming to yoga.
Hyperthyroidism
Having an under-active thyroid is also known as hypothyroidism. Essentially, this condition occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Hypothyroidism’s deficiency of thyroid hormones can disrupt things such as heart rate, body temperature, and all aspects of metabolism. Major symptoms include fatigue, cold sensitivity, constipation, dry skin, and unexplained weight gain.
Hyperthyroidism can be caused by:
- Grave’s Disease: An autoimmune disorder that impacts the thyroid gland, causing it to make too much of the thyroid hormone.
- Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland.
- Thyroid Nodules: A solid or fluid-filled lump on the thyroid.
- Sleep: Getting less than 7 hours of sleep can increase your risk of developing hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Weight loss
- Increased heart rate
- Heat intolerance
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Sweating
- Frequent bowel movements
Treatment for hyperthyroidism includes:
- Medications: One common medication to treat hyperthyroidism is methimazole, which your doctor may prescribe.
- Exercise: A consistent workout routine like walking, yoga, and other low-impact exercises can help treat hyperthyroidism and its symptoms.
- Diet: Including foods that are high in vitamin B and iron, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Early recognition of symptoms and timely medical attention can effectively manage these conditions.
In cases where medication alone is insufficient, special therapies or lifestyle adjustments may be necessary. Surgical intervention, such as the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, is performed when necessary and may require lifelong hormone therapy afterward.
Complications from Thyroid Disease
Thyroid diseases that are left untreated or undiagnosed can lead to serious complications like:
- Cardiovascular issues
- Heart failure
- Osteoporosis
- Nerve damage
- Infertility
How are Thyroid Diseases Diagnosed?
Thyroid conditions are all treatable. To diagnose thyroid diseases, doctors use your medical history, a physical exam, and specialized blood tests. Some of these blood tests examine the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone in your blood, such as T4, T3, and TSH. With these tests, a doctor can tell from your TSH levels if you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Thyroid disorders can be treated by medications or, in some cases, surgery. Treatment will depend on the particular disease of the thyroid. With an early diagnosis, and treatment, this can improve the quality of life and prevent further health complications from a thyroid disease.
What is Thyroid Cancer and What are the Four Types of Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer begins when the cells grow and multiply rapidly. These cells form a tumor and the abnormal cells can spread throughout the body.
There are no early symptoms. However, as the cells grow, they may cause a lump in the neck, swollen lymph glands, voice changes, and difficulty swallowing. Most cases of thyroid cancer can be cured with surgery to remove most or all of the thyroid.
Four of the main types of thyroid cancer are:
- Papillary Thyroid Cancer: The most common of the differentiated thyroid cancers. It grows slowly but may spread to lymph nodes on the neck.
- Follicular Thyroid Cancer: The second most common form of thyroid cancer. These cancer nodules grow slowly and near areas with high iodine deficiencies in the body. Thankfully, this is one of the easiest forms of thyroid cancer to treat.
- Medullary Thyroid Cancer: This is less common and cases are usually hereditary. However, it has a higher chance of spreading to the lymph nodes than other types.
- Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: While this is the most aggressive form of thyroid cancer, it is thankfully the rarest. It is very dangerous because it grows rapidly and easily spreads.
How is Thyroid Cancer Treated?
Treatment for thyroid cancer will vary based on the type and stage. Some of the most common forms of treatment for thyroid cancer include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Radioactive iodine therapy
Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer
Risk factors for thyroid cancer range from:
- Sex
- Age
- Exposure to radiation
- Family history
With these risk factors in mind, it’s best to share with your doctor your full medical history, especially family history or exposure to radiation. Again, prevention and early treatment is vital to improve quality of life and any possible complications.
Thyroid Awareness
Thyroid awareness is key to helping people recognize the symptoms of thyroid problems. With better awareness, people will know when to talk to their doctors about testing and treatment. Thyroid awareness month is every January. The goal of this movement is to increase awareness of thyroid diseases as well as prevention, treatment, and cure.
Thyroid Disease FAQs
What is Thyroid Fatigue?
A common symptom of a thyroid disease is fatigue which can be triggered by both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Can You Live With a Bad Thyroid?
With the right treatment, and proper lifestyle changes, you can lead a normal life with either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Person With Thyroid Disease?
If a thyroid disease is not properly diagnosed, and treated properly, then complications can arise from a thyroid disease. But, with the right treatment the life expectancy of a person with a thyroid disease is a normal life expectancy.
Can Thyroid Disease Cause High Blood Pressure?
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, can be caused by both hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Are Thyroid Nodules Cancerous?
A majority of thyroid nodules are benign, but some can be cancerous. If you notice a lump on your thyroid contact your doctor for the appointment testing and screenings.
Thyroid Treatment with The Surgical Clinic in Nashville, TN
The Surgical Clinic offers comprehensive thyroid treatment for conditions including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer. We perform thyroid biopsies, testing, surgical and nonsurgical procedures to diagnose and find the best treatment plan for you. You can visit us at one of our local offices in Davidson County and the Greater Nashville Area.
This January, we urge you to help us raise awareness during National Thyroid Awareness Month. And we urge you to take part in the fight to treat undiagnosed thyroid conditions and even other forms of cancer. If you have any concerns or questions about thyroid issues, talk to an experienced endocrinologist.
Here at The Surgical Clinic, our providers have years of experience and are happy to visit with you about your concerns. Our surgeons will help you find the best path of treatment for you.
Visit a Surgical Clinic location near you to get started on your path to recovery. We have many locations throughout the Greater Nashville Area. Book an appointment on our website or call an office near you.