— — Thyroid Diseases
The thyroid gland is the production center of hormones that regulate many important functions in the body, from energy production to the immune system. When the health of this small but effective organ is compromised, metabolism becomes unbalanced and body systems are disrupted. In this article, we aim to provide comprehensive and scientific information about thyroid diseases to raise awareness about thyroid health.
What is the Thyroid Gland?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located at the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. This gland produces two important hormones called T3 (Triiodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine). These hormones directly affect:
- Metabolic rate
- Heart rhythm
- Body temperature
- Digestive system function
- Muscle control
- Bone health
- Brain development
What are Thyroid Diseases?
Thyroid diseases are generally related to functional or structural disorders of the gland. Functional disorders appear as decreased or increased hormone production, while structural disorders include nodules, goiter, or cyst formation.
Major Thyroid Diseases
| Disease Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Hypothyroidism | Condition where thyroid hormone production is insufficient |
| Hyperthyroidism | Condition where thyroid hormone production is excessive |
| Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis | Autoimmune-related thyroid failure |
| Graves’ Disease | Autoimmune-origin excessive thyroid activity |
| Thyroid Nodule | Cystic or solid masses formed in the thyroid gland |
| Thyroid Cancer | Cancer type caused by uncontrolled proliferation of thyroid cells |
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
What is it?
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Metabolism slows down and organ functions become inadequate.
Symptoms
- Constant fatigue
- Weight gain
- Sensitivity to cold
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Menstrual irregularities
Causes
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune)
- Iodine deficiency
- After thyroid surgery
- Radioactive iodine treatment
- Certain medications (lithium, amiodarone)
Treatment
Daily oral levothyroxine is administered to balance thyroid hormone levels. The dose is adjusted based on TSH levels.
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
What is it?
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces excess hormones, speeding up metabolism and causing systemic disorders.
Symptoms
- Weight loss
- Excessive sweating
- Hand tremors
- Palpitations
- Diarrhea
- Nervousness, restlessness
- Menstrual irregularities
Causes
- Graves’ disease (autoimmune)
- Toxic nodular goiter
- Thyroid inflammations (thyroiditis)
- Excess iodine intake
Treatment
- Antithyroid drugs (propylthiouracil, methimazole)
- Radioactive iodine therapy
- Surgery (thyroidectomy)
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
What is it?
An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks thyroid tissue. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
Findings
- Neck stiffness, enlargement
- Intolerance to cold
- Hair loss
- Emotional fluctuations
- Increased risk of miscarriage during pregnancy
Diagnosis
- Elevated TSH
- Low T4
- Positive anti-TPO and anti-Tg antibodies
Treatment
Lifelong levothyroxine therapy may be necessary. Regular TSH monitoring is essential.
Graves’ Disease
What is it?
An autoimmune disorder where the immune system constantly stimulates the thyroid to produce excess hormones.
Typical Signs
- Protruding eyes (exophthalmos)
- Thin skin, irritability
- Heart rhythm irregularities
- Goiter formation
Diagnosis
- Low TSH, high T3 and T4
- Positive TRAb antibodies
- Increased uptake on thyroid scintigraphy
Treatment
Starts with medication. Radioactive iodine or surgery may be applied if necessary.
Thyroid Nodules
Nodules are masses that form in the thyroid gland. They may be solitary or multiple. Most nodules are benign, but about 5-10% carry a risk of cancer.
Warning Signs for Cancer
- Hard and irregular texture
- Rapid growth
- Hoarseness
- Enlargement of neck lymph nodes
- Family history of thyroid cancer
Diagnosis
- Thyroid ultrasound
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB)
- TSH, T3, T4 measurements
Follow-up and Treatment
Benign nodules are monitored. Suspicious or large nodules are surgically removed.
Thyroid Cancer
Rare but usually treatable. Papillary and follicular types are the most common.
| Cancer Type | Frequency | Treatment Success |
|---|---|---|
| Papillary Cancer | 70-80% | Very high |
| Follicular Cancer | 10-15% | High |
| Medullary Cancer | 3-5% | Moderate |
| Anaplastic Cancer | 1-2% | Low |
Treatment
- Total thyroidectomy (complete removal of thyroid)
- Radioactive iodine therapy
- Hormone suppressive therapy
- Radiotherapy / chemotherapy (in advanced stages)
Diagnostic Methods for Thyroid Diseases
| Method | Explanation |
|---|---|
| TSH Test | Initial test to determine thyroid function |
| T3 – T4 Tests | Detailed hormone level measurement |
| Anti-TPO, Anti-Tg | Detect autoimmune thyroid diseases |
| Ultrasonography | Assesses presence of nodules, cysts, or goiter |
| FNAB | Biopsy to determine cancer risk |
| Thyroid Scintigraphy | Differentiates functional nodules |
Nutrition and Lifestyle for Thyroid Health
Proper nutrition and stress management are very important for maintaining thyroid health. Below are some lifestyle recommendations:
Nutrition Recommendations
- Iodine-rich foods: seafood, iodized salt
- Selenium sources: Brazil nuts, eggs
- Zinc-rich foods: pumpkin seeds, red meat
- Avoid goitrogens in excess: raw cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower
Lifestyle Recommendations
- Regular sleep
- Stress management
- Reduce smoking and alcohol consumption
- Regular medical check-ups
- Routine screening if family history exists
Thyroid diseases can significantly affect quality of life but can be controlled with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Although hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, nodules, and cancers present with different symptoms, all must be carefully monitored. Diagnosis should be based on symptoms, laboratory tests, and imaging methods combined.
Protecting your thyroid health, paying attention to symptoms, and consulting a specialist timely are among the most important steps for long-term health.
All content on this site is for informational purposes only and is based on scientific sources valid as of the preparation date. For any symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment requirements related to health, please consult your physician or an authorized healthcare institution directly.