The endocrine system is a network of glands that make hormones. These hormones control your moods, growth and development, metabolism, organs, and reproduction. The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and pineal gland are in your brain. The thyroid and parathyroid glands are in your neck. The thymus is between your lungs, the adrenals are on top of your kidneys, and the pancreas is behind your stomach. Your ovaries (if you're a woman) or testes (if you're a man) are in your pelvic region. The endocrine system also controls how your hormones are released and sends those hormones into your bloodstream so they can travel to other body parts
Steps to Managing Hyperthyroidism Take your daily medication on time. It will reduce your symptoms and keep the thyroid hormones in balance. There is no specific diet but reduce intake of iodine. Iodine is present in certain foods, supplements and medications like cough syrups. Keep a check on your blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Hypertension and Diabetes are commonly associated with Thyroid dysfunction. Download our e-books on hypertension and diabetes management.
There is no clear way to prevent hyperthyroidism but you can reduce your risk by doing the following: Get your hormone levels checked all through pregnancy and 6 months after giving birth. Control your diabetes. Check your Vitamin B12 levels. People with pernicious anemia are at a higher risk. Check your thyroid levels regularly if you have a family history or if you have had a thyroid problem or surgery in the past. References: NIH: National institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney…
Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism is based on a full clinical history, physical examination and blood tests. Blood test of serum TSH, T3, T4 and Thyroid antibody levels is done initially. Further testing includes thyroid scan, ultrasound and radioactive iodine uptake test.
The table below lists the symptoms of Hyperthyroidism or Thyrotoxicosis:
There are many possible causes of Hyperthyroidism such as: Graves' disease accounts for 60-80% of all cases. It is an autoimmune disorder, whereby the body’s immune system attacks the gland causing it to make more thyroid hormones. Thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid gland causes thyroid hormones to leak into the bloodstream. Thyroiditis can be painless or silent, subacute or postpartum (post- delivery) and can show symptoms of hypothyroidism as well. Thyroid nodules or lumps are common…
What is Hyperthyroidism The thyroid is an endocrine gland situated at the base of the neck. It is a vital gland that produces three major hormones : T3 (Triiodothyronine), T4 (Thyroxine) and Calcitonin. These hormones play a major role in the growth, metabolism and development of the human body. When there is an oversecretion of the T3 and T4 hormones, it leads to a condition termed Hyperthyroidism or Overactive Thyroid or Thyrotoxicosis. The term thyrotoxicosis is used to refer to the…
Tips for managing Hypothyroidism Take your daily medication on time. It will reduce your symptoms and keep the thyroid hormones in balance. There is no specific diet but do ensure adequate intake of iodine. Iodine rich foods include eggs, dairy products, meat etc. Lose excess weight. Weight gain is due to slowed metabolism and can lead to other issues. Note that the maximum weight gain due to thyroid issues is 4-5Kg. Stay fit and be active. This will improve stamina/ energy levels…
There is no clear way to prevent hypothyroidism but you can reduce your risk by doing the following: Quit smoking. Use a neck collar when going in for head and neck X-ray. Have adequate iodine intake. This is especially true in many under-developed countries, where salt is now iodised to reduce this deficiency. Avoid exposure to radioactive iodine. Join our No Smoking Community to learn more
The goal of treatment is to bring the person back to an euthyroid state (state of having normal thyroid gland function), hence necessitating lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Levothyroxine which is a synthetic T4 hormone is the preferred choice of treatment. It is usually prescribed once a day. L-triiodothyronine which is synthetic T3 is used less frequently due to a shorter half-life. Combination of the two synthetic hormones is available but with no significant…
Diagnosis of hypothyroidism will be based on a full clinical history, physical examination and blood tests. In some cases, ultrasound of the neck may also be prescribed. Blood test of serum TSH and free T4 levels is the more definitive diagnostic tool. Based on the results, the type of hypothyroidism can be identified. TYPE SERUM TSH FREE T4 Primary Hypothyroidism High Low Secondary Hypothyroidism Low or normal Low Subclinical Hypothyroidism High (on…
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