Thyroid gland: from symptoms to treatment

52% of women and 17% of men around the world suffer from thyroid disease, as evidenced by the World Health Organization statistics. In Ukraine, the number of patients has increased five times over the past 5 years.

Kateryna Maslii

an endocrinologist and ultrasound specialist

Learn what is affected by the thyroid gland, how to identify the problem in the early stages, and what are the treatment methods.

What are the functions of the thyroid gland?

This is an important organ of the endocrine system, without which a person cannot exist. It is located in the front of the neck and has the shape of a butterfly.

The thyroid gland is responsible for:

• production of hormones;
• reproductive system in women and men;
• metabolism;
• lipid metabolism;
• mood and emotional state;
• menstrual function in women;
• carbohydrate metabolism;
• beauty and appearance;
• skin and hair condition.

Why do issues with the thyroid gland appear?

Such issues can occur for various reasons, such as iodine deficiency, past radiation therapy, poor environmental conditions, poor nutrition and drinking water. Heredity also plays an important role, sometimes problems begin even at the stage of intrauterine development.

What are the signs of thyroid diseases and how do they affect daily life?

Some signs of such pathologies include:

• constant weakness, drowsiness, fatigue;
• heart rhythm disturbance;
• hair loss;
• swelling on the face and legs;
• weight gain or sudden weight loss, with a normal lifestyle and no changes in eating habits;
• dry mouth.

These symptoms can appear at different stages of the development of the illness, so it is essential to monitor your health and consult a doctor in a timely manner if you suspect abnormalities.

What are the types of thyroid diseases?

Such diseases can include thyroid cancer, nodular goiter, inflammation of the gland, and other illnesses. Each type has its own unique symptoms and treatments.

What is nodular goiter, and what are its symptoms?

It is one of the most common endocrine diseases in Ukraine. 18% of the population suffers from it, according to the statistics of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

Most illnesses of the thyroid gland are called goiter. There are several types:

• nodal — formed in one part;
• multinodal — formed in several parts;
• diffuse — uniform enlargement of the gland on both sides;
• toxic adenoma — dysfunction of the gland — increased production of hormones.

Kateryna Maslii, an endocrinologist and ultrasound specialist, told more about this topic in a video on our channel.

What symptoms signal the presence of nodular goiter?

At first, it may be asymptomatic, but over time, the patient may experience compression in the neck or visual deformation of the thyroid gland. This may indicate the need for additional examination.

Any person who has never had these issues should be tested. And also those whose close relatives had thyroid disease.

How is nodular goiter treated?

If it is a benign tumor, then you just need to observe it and, on the advice of an endocrinologist, attend medical check-ups once a year.

If the goiter has malignant signs, then it is worth performing a surgical operation.

“Actually, a person can live a happy and carefree life with nodular goiter and at the same time have no indications for active treatment,” Kateryna says.

Is there prevention for nodular goiter?

To protect yourself from thyroid disease, it is important to eat enough iodized salt, seafood, saltwater fish, seaweed, vegetables, and Brazil nuts. It is also indispensable to maintain physical activity, follow a balanced diet, and have a sleep schedule with a sufficient number of hours (7-9).

Remember that prevention is key to keeping your thyroid healthy.

What should you know about thyroid cancer and its symptoms?

One of the most serious illnesses of the thyroid gland is cancer, which can occur both as a result of genetic factors and as a result of excessive exposure to radiation or other external factors.

The symptoms of thyroid cancer may not immediately indicate this diagnosis: a constant cough, changes in the voice, an increase in neck nodes.

If you have similar symptoms and suspect cancer, it is critical to consult a specialist as soon as possible and perform a comprehensive diagnosis.

Treatment of thyroid diseases varies depending on their type and stage. There are medical and surgical methods, but it is important to consider the individual characteristics of each patient.

For more information and helpful tips on keeping your thyroid healthy, head over to our YouTube channel, where experts share helpful information and answer questions from viewers – https://www.youtube.com/@MEDplusUKR