Thyroid disorders have become a common condition particularly in women of all ages in recent times. From adolescent girls to women in their post menopausal phase have thyroid disorder as a comorbidity. Thyroid is a small, butterfly shaped gland present in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that work together to regulate growth, metabolism and vital body functions.There are two major hormones secreted by the thyroid gland T3 and T4. Tyrosine, an amino acid and Iodine are needed to produce the hormones. After passing through many steps like oxidation of iodine, iodination of tyrosine residues and coupling of the iodinated tyrosine residues, T4 and T3 are produced. T4 is the primary hormone produced by the thyroid. T4 undergoes Peripheral Conversion to T3 in the blood. T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone.

What is the Role of Thyroid Hormones?

Balanced levels of thyroid hormones lead to good health. The various functions of the hormones include increasing the basal metabolic rate and heat production, facilitating growth and development, particularly bone growth and tissue maturation. In addition to this, thyroid hormones increase heart rate and cardiac output and help maintain healthy blood flow. Thyroid hormones support in cognition, nerve function and neuromuscular coordination and regulate gut function as well.Health
Thyroid hormones regulate digestion, bowel motility etc. Types of thyroid disorders Broadly, thyroid disorders are grouped into Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism refers to underactive thyroid and hyperthyroidism refers to "overactive thyroid". The causes of both hypo and hyperthyroidism differs.
Let's look at the causes of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Causes of hypothyroidism Iodine deficiency. Hypothyroidism that results due to the deficiency of iodine often causes Goitre .Hashimoto's disease. It is an autoimmune condition in which our immune system targets and attacks the follicular cells in the thyroid gland, impairing T3 and T4 production. This condition can occur despite adequate iodine consumption. Causes of Hyperthyroidism Grave's disease Like Hashimoto's disease in hypothyroidism, Grave's disease is an autoimmune condition that causes overactive thyroid. Excessive iodine. Certain medications can increase the levels of iodine in the body, as a result of which thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones.

What are the Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders?

Like the causes, symptoms also differs for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include the following:

Weight gain
Thinning of hair
Feeling tired
Dry skin
Slower heart rate
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include the following:

Unexplained weight loss
Sweaty skin
Feeling of irritability
Fast heart rate
Let's look at the diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders : Thyroid disorders can be diagnosed through a simple blood test. In some cases ultrasound, radioactive iodine uptake test etc. are used to make a diagnosis. In the blood, the levels of TSH,T3, T4 are checked. As a whole we call this as TFT or Thyroid Function Test. The management differs for hypothyroidism and for hyperthyroidism
For hypothyroidism, as the T3 and T4 levels are low, hormonal replacement in the form of pills will be prescribed. Levothyroxine - the early morning pill, which people take on an empty stomach is a hormone replacement pill. For hyperthyroidism, anti - thyroid medications, which prevent the thyroid gland from secreting more and more hormones is prescribed. Dietary changes is also advised to manage thyroid disorders.
In hypothyroidism, it is best to avoid cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli because these vegetables contain natural compounds called Goitrogens, which inhibit iodine absorption. As a result, thyroid gland lacks sufficient amount of iodine to secrete adequate thyroid hormones .In hyperthyroidism, foods rich in iodine are advisable to avoid. Limiting iodized salt consumption, limiting the consumption of sea foods can help manage hyperthyroidism.

The author is a BA 2nd semester student at GDC Thindim Kreeri
Email:--------------------shaziyahassan019@gmail.com