Thyroid Treatment

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Thyroid Disorder Management

Best Thyroid Treatment in Indore, MP. India | Dr. Rita Gupta Patil

Know About Thyroid Gland...

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that regulates the body's metabolism by producing thyroid hormones that provide energy to cells. Its function is regulated through a feedback mechanism involving the brain, where the hypothalamus releases thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) when thyroid hormone levels are low, leading the pituitary gland to release thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This causes the thyroid gland to increase production of T4. Disorders in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus can also result in thyroid problems, impacting the gland's function.

Thyroid Dysfunction Includes:

• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Goitre
• Thyroid nodules
• Thyroid cancer
• Thyroiditis

Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the body's needs. This leads to a slow metabolism, which can result in a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. The causes of hypothyroidism can include autoimmune diseases, radiation therapy, surgery to remove the thyroid gland, and certain medications. Treatment for hypothyroidism typically involves taking daily thyroid hormone replacement medication, which can help to regulate the metabolism and relieve symptoms. Regular monitoring of hormone levels and adjustments to medication may be needed over time to maintain optimal thyroid function.

Hyperthyroidism: It is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This hormone regulates metabolism, and an excess can lead to symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, increased appetite, sweating, and nervousness. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by several factors, including Graves' disease, toxic nodular goiter, and excessive intake of thyroid hormone. Treatment options include medication, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery.

Goiter: Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can be caused by various factors such as iodine deficiency, autoimmune disorders, and thyroid gland dysfunction. A goiter can be painless and harmless, but in some cases, it may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing, or produce a noticeable lump in the neck. The treatment for a goiter depends on the underlying cause, and may involve taking iodine supplements, anti-thyroid medication, or undergoing surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. An accurate diagnosis and timely treatment of a goiter is important in order to maintain proper thyroid function and prevent any associated health complications.

Thyroid nodules: Thyroid nodules are lumps that develop in the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck. They are relatively common and can be caused by a variety of factors such as inflammation, or overgrowth of thyroid tissue. In some cases, thyroid nodules can be cancerous, so it is important to have them evaluated by a doctor.

Thyroid cancer: Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. It occurs when irregular cells in the thyroid grow and multiply, eventually forming a lump or mass. Thyroid cancer is typically divided into four main types: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic.Treatment options for thyroid cancer depend on the type and stage of the cancer, and may include surgery to remove the thyroid gland, radioactive iodine therapy, hormone therapy, and/or radiation therapy.

Thyroiditis: It is a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the thyroid gland. There are several different types of thyroiditis, including autoimmune thyroiditis (also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis), subacute thyroiditis (also known as de Quervain's thyroiditis), and postpartum thyroiditis.

 

General Symptoms of Thyroid disorder may includes:

• Losing or gaining weight: Variations in weight can signal an abnormal function of the thyroid gland. Low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) can cause weight gain, while unexpected weight loss can signal that too many thyroid hormones are being produced (hyperthyroidism). Hypothyroidism is much more common than hyperthyroidism.
• Swelling in the neck: A goitre is an increase the size of the thyroid gland. A goitre can occur both as a result of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. It can sometimes also result from tumors or nodules that develop within the thyroid gland.
• Changes in heart rate: Mostly thyroid gland affect almost every organ in the body, including the heart. Hypothyroidism can cause the heart to beat more slowly while hyperthyroidism causes a fast heartbeat. Raised levels of thyroid hormones also can lead to increases in blood pressure and the sense that your heart is pounding (palpitations).
• Changes in mood or energy: Thyroid disorders can affect emotions, energy, and mood. Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms like depression, tiredness, and feeling sluggish. Hyperthyroidism is associated with sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety, and restlessness.
• Hair loss: Hair loss is a common sign of a thyroid problem. Both too high and too low levels of thyroid hormones can lead to hair loss.
• Body temperature: The thyroid affects regulation of body temperature, So, those with hypothyroidism often report feeling cold. In contrast, people with hyperthyroidism tend to have excessive sweating and an aversion to heat.
• Other symptoms of hypothyroidism: Fatigue weight gain, hair loss, slow movements, intolerance to cold, cold and dry skin, depression, constipation, swelling in legs, menstrual disorders in women.
• Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism: Increased appetites, tremors, changes in menstrual pattern, weight loss, anxiety, nervousness, increased sweating, muscle fatigue, difficulty falling asleep.

Treatment  for thyroid disorders include:

Dietary changes: Such as consumption of iodized salt and to avoid vegetables such as cabbage are advised.

Medications:

• For hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is treated with synthetic hormone tablet that replaces missing thyroid hormone in the body. With careful monitoring, your doctor will adjust your dosage accordingly, and you'll soon be able to return to your normal lifestyle.
• For hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism, generally more difficult to treat, requires the normalization of thyroid hormone production. Treatment could involve drug therapy to block hormone production, radioactive iodine treatment that disables the thyroid. The medications gradually reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism by preventing your thyroid gland from producing excess amounts of hormones.

Surgery: Surgery can be used to remove a large goitre or a hyper functioning nodule within the gland. Surgery is necessary when there is a possibility of thyroid cancer.

 

Parathyroid glands:

These are small glands of the endocrine system which are located in the neck behind the thyroid. The parathyroid glands release a hormone called parathyroid hormone. This hormone helps to control the levels of three minerals in the body: calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.

• It stops the kidneys from getting rid of (excreting) calcium in the urine.
• It causes the kidneys to excrete phosphate in the urine.
• It causes the release of calcium from bones.
• It causes the kidneys to excrete phosphate in the urine.
• It increases blood levels of magnesium.

Hyperparathyroidism: Improper functioning of the parathyroid glands lead to hyperparathyroidism, which leads to increased calcium levels in the blood.

Symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism

Nearly all patients with parathyroid problems have symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms are really obvious, like kidney stones, frequent headaches, fatigue, and depression. Sometimes the symptoms are not so obvious, like high blood pressure and the inability to concentrate.

Parathyroid Surgery:

Surgery is the only way to treat parathyroid disease (hyperparathyroidism). There are no medications or pills that work to cure or treat parathyroid problems or high calcium.

Two types of surgeries are available for parathyroid treatment:

• Endoscopic surgery
• Open surgery

Endoscopic technique for parathyroid removal is preferred wherein the surgeon makes a tiny incision to remove the affected gland under sedation. The endoscopic approach has excellent cosmetic results as there are no scars. Also, the recovery is much faster with minimal post-operative pain.

 

Advantages of a laparoscopic procedure: The major advantage of this approach is its excellent cosmetic results i.e. it leaves no scar. Minimal post-operative pain. Faster recovery and early return to work and normal activities.

Thyroidectomy:

Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. Depending on the reason for a thyroidectomy, all or part of the thyroid gland will be removed. The various types of thyroidectomy include:

• Partial thyroid lobectomy: Only part of one thyroid lobe is removed.
• Thyroid lobectomy: All of one thyroid lobe is removed.
• Thyroid lobectomy with isthmusectomy: All of one thyroid lobe is removed, together with the section between the two lobes (called the thyroid isthmus).
• Subtotal thyroidectomy: One thyroid lobe, the isthmus and part of the second lobe are removed.
• Total thyroidectomy: The entire thyroid gland is removed.

A thyroidectomy may be performed by using a conventional surgical approach or a newer endoscopic method done through very small incisions.

Endoscopic thyroidectomy:-

A viewing instrument called an endoscope and small surgical instruments will be inserted into your neck through three or four small incisions. Each incision is about 3 millimeters to 5 millimeters long. Then the surgeon will use a tiny camera on the endoscope to guide the instruments and remove your thyroid tissue.