What is the thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped organ that sits in the base or your neck in front of your windpipe and is made up of two lobes joined by the “isthmus” in the middle. As it is attached to the windpipe. The thyroid moves up and down with swallowing, and is usually not able to be seen (except in very thin people.)
What is the purpose of thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland makes our thyroid hormones. There are two main types:
- T3 (triiodothyronine)
- T4 (thyroxine)
These hormones travel through the bloodstream to act on many issues in the body – particularly those involved in growth and metabolism.
Overactivity and underactivity of the thyroid gland
Disruptions in the thyroid gland can cause over and underactivity of the gland. These are common conditions and are sometimes managed by your family doctor. In many instances, your family doctor will refer you to an endocrinologist such as Dr Nandi who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders.
What is Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland. In this condition the thyroid produces too little thyroid hormone. It is a common condition that occurs more in women – effecting women around 10 times more than it does men. Causes of an underactive thyroid include:
- Aplasia
- Iodine deficiency
- Dyshormonogenesis
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Atrophic hypothyroidism
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Adult symptoms of hypothyroidism vary upon the level of hormone deficiency, and most problems tend to develop slowly.
The more common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism such as fatigue and weight gain are often ignored and attributed to ageing. However, if you have hypothyroidism and your metabolism continues to slow, other more obvious signs can develop including:
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Puffy face
- Hoarseness
- Muscle weakness, aches, tenderness, or stiffness
- Pain, swelling or stiffness of the joints
- Irregular periods
- Heavier periods
- Thinning of the hair
- Higher blood cholesterol levels
- Depression
- Impaired memory
- Slowed heart rate
- An enlarged thyroid or “goitre”
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
Dr Nandi will diagnose hypothyroidism through a blood test called a Thyroid Function Test (TFT). In some cases, he may also recommend measurement of your thyroid autoantibody levels to see what may be causing the hypothyroidism. If you have hypothyroidism the tests would be expected to show:
- Raised TSH
- Low T3, T4
- Auto-antibodies- raised levels of thyroid auto-antibodies may occur with autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis).
Can hypothyroidism be treated?
Yes. Treatment for hypothyroidism is usually quite straightforward with the most common treatment being the prescription of Thyroxine – a synthetic T4 or thyroid hormone. It is prescribed to be taken once daily and Dr Nandi will adjust the dosage by testing your bloodstreams TSH level and using this as guide.
Hypothyroidism and pregnancy
An underactive thyroid may pose a risk to the pregnancy or the baby. Thyroid hormone status needs to be optimised before pregnancy or at least as soon as it is identified. Dr Nandi, an expert in this field, can guide women with thyroid issues who are in the reproductive age group or pregnant in the right direction.
What should you do if you suspect you or someone you love has hypothyroidism?
Speak to your family doctor and outline your concerns as well as your symptoms. If they confirm that they believe you may have hypothyroidism, request for a referral to Dr Nirjhar Nandi. Dr Nandi will be able to confirm your diagnosis and commence you on a treatment plan.
