World Thyroid Day 2023: Expert Explains Common Symptoms and Tests to Diagnose Thyroid Diseases
World Thyroid Day is observed annually on May 25 to raise awareness of thyroid-related diseases and promote better understanding and prevention of thyroid diseases worldwide. Thyroid disorders affect millions of people worldwide, with conditions as diverse as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. World Thyroid Day provides a platform to highlight the impact these diseases have on people’s lives and emphasize the need for early intervention.
The thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating various body functions, including metabolism, growth and development. When the thyroid gland malfunctions, it can result in either an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
Dr. Sunita Kapoor, Director and Consultant Pathologist, City X-ray and Scan Clinic Pvt. Ltd. describes some of the common symptoms associated with thyroid disorders and the tests used to diagnose them.
World Thyroid Day 2023: Tests for diagnosis of thyroid diseases
Dr. Sunita Kapoor explains how the following tests help diagnose thyroid disorders:
–Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test: It measures the level of TSH in the blood. A low TSH level indicates an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
–Free T4 Test: It measures the level of free thyroxine (T4), the active thyroid hormone, in the blood.
–Radioactive iodine uptake test: It measures how much iodine your thyroid gland absorbs. An increased dose indicates hyperthyroidism.
–Thyroid scan: Involves injecting a radioactive substance to examine the structure and function of the thyroid gland.
World Thyroid Day 2023: Signs to diagnose thyroid disease
Dr. Sunita Kapoor shares some common symptoms to diagnose thyroid disease.
–Weight gain or loss: One of the most common symptoms of thyroid disease is unexpected weight gain or loss. Weight gain can be a sign of hypothyroidism, a disorder characterized by low levels of thyroid hormone. Conversely, if the thyroid produces more hormones than the body needs, you may lose weight unexpectedly. This is known as hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is far more common.
–Swelling in the neck: A visual indicator that the thyroid may be damaged is a bulge or enlargement in the back of the neck. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can result in goiter. Thyroid nodules, or masses that form inside the thyroid, can also cause swelling in the neck. It can also be caused by factors unrelated to the thyroid.
–Changes in energy or mood: A thyroid disorder can significantly affect your energy levels and mood. Hypothyroidism makes people feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Hyperthyroidism can cause restlessness, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, and irritability.
–Changes in heart rate: Almost every organ in the body is affected by thyroid hormones, which can also change heart rate. Hypothyroid patients may notice that their heart rate is slower than normal. Hyperthyroidism can result in an increased heart rate. Additionally, it can result in increased heart rate as well as increased blood pressure and a feeling of palpitations.
–Hair fall: Your energy level and mood can be significantly affected by thyroid conditions. People with hypothyroidism often experience hair loss, sensitivity to cold, fatigue, lethargy and depression. Hyperthyroidism, as mentioned earlier, can cause restlessness, sleep disturbances, restlessness and irritability, as well as thinning hair, increased sensitivity to heat and tremors.
Dr. Sunita Kapoor is Director and Consultant Pathologist at City X-ray and Scan Clinic. The views expressed in the article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Zee News.