Thyroid gland disorders are found to cause many problems. The women are more susceptible to these disorders and hence they should take the necessary precautions.
Thyroid gland is a very important hormonal gland of the human body. It performs a lot of important functions. The basic function that the thyroid gland performs is that of maintaining a proper coordination between the different organs of the human body. The 2 inch thyroid gland is located in front of our larynx. Like all parts of the body, thyroid gland disorders are also very common. Thyroid gland disorders in women are more prevalent than in men. This is why the women need to be more careful about any physical problem that they might experience as a result of thyroid disorders.
Thyroid ailments take place as result of either the hypo-active or hyper-activeness of the thyroid glands. The symptoms and disorders are different in each case. In case of hypothyroidism condition the patients might suffer mainly from the following problems:
- Physical fatigue – Patient feels tired very quickly.
- Weight gain – Gains unwanted weight due less secretion of thyroid hormones.
- High Cholesterol – Main symptom of hypothyroidism.
- Slow heart rate – The heart rate is slower than normal.
In case of hyper secretion of thyroid hormones, the patients mainly exhibit the following symptoms:
- Weight loss – The patients loses weight all of a sudden.
- Nervousness and irritability – The patients get irritated very fast and feel nervous.
- Enlarged thyroid gland – This is the main symptom of this disorder.
- Fatigue
The risk factors of the thyroid gland disorders are many. The presence of thyroid ailments in the family in the past can be a cause of this disorder. Diabetes and other autoimmune disorders can cause thyroid problems. 80% of all thyroid cases are found to occur in women. Hence they are at great risk of being affected by this disorder. The thyroid problems are mainly found in older women who have experienced their menopause, not in the younger women. This is why it is imperative for all women who have undergone their menopause to be aware all these problems. Hormonal changes during the menopause and pregnancy cause thyroid gland disorders in women. This article aims at creating the much needed awareness among the women.
The diagnosis of thyroid disorders is a tough one as the symptoms that are associated with it can be symptoms of many other disorders of health.
- Initially, the doctor takes down a medical history in order to find out the presence of thyroid disorders in the family.
- Then he does a physical examination of the patient to find out if there is any enlargement of the thyroid nodules.
- The doctor then prescribes further tests depending upon his findings.
- The blood tests are conducted to determine the level of the thyroid hormones in blood. The doctors can determine whether the patient is suffering from hypo or hyper secretion of the thyroid hormones.
- Thyroid scan helps in determining whether the thyroid nodules are cancerous in nature.
- A thyroid ultrasound helps in finding out the size of the thyroid gland.
- A biopsy can be done for finding out whether the nodules are malignant in nature.
Treatments are done depending upon whether the patient has hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. In case of hypothyroidism the doctor prescribes medicines like levothyroxine to increase the level of thyroxin in the blood. In case of hyperthyroidism the doctors perform the following treatments:
- Anti-thyroid medicines – To check the secretion of thyroid hormone.
- Radioiodine – This destroys the thyroid producing cells.
- Surgery – To remove the enlarged portion of the thyroid gland.
- Beta-blockers – These blockers help in blocking the effects of the hormones released by the thyroid gland.
So, we see that the there are many ways of treating the thyroid disorders. As the thyroid disorders in women are more common the women should undergo regular checkups. In case of timely treatment the thyroid disorders can be kept under control.
