THYROID PROBLEM

                                                   THYROID PROBLEM
                                                                               Dr Usha Sriram
  The mere mention of the word  Thyroid conjures up images of a swollen neck and lifelong medication. there are many myths, misconceptions and mysteries that surround this important gland. The truth is that thyroid problems are common, easy to diagnose and treat. A person with a thyroid problems are common, easy to diagnose and treat. A person with a thyroid problem can grow, marry, have children and lead a very normal productive, and long life.
   The Thyroid is butterfly-shaped gland in front of our neck. Everyone has a thyroid gland. Sometimes it is in an  unusual location like the tongue or elsewhere in the neck.  the thyroid produces two important hormones- T4 and T3(thyroid hormone) which circulate in the blood. The Thyroid gland is controlled buy the pituitary gland  in the brain by producing a hormone called TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone)
   Extremely important. The hormone controls our metabolism and has an impact on all our cells and all our body functions. It is necessary for memory, energy levels,bone  marrow function, proper functioning of the heart, proper movement of our intestine and many such vital functions. People who have an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) feel tired, have poor memory have a poor appetite, feel constipated and gain weight. They have a slow heart rte and feel puffy and sleepy
  The most common reason is autoimmune thyroid problem. The body produces antibodies against its own gland that make the gland function less. Sometimes the gland under functions temporarily and recovers a few months later. The gland may not have formed well at birth or may have been removed surgically.
 Another reason is when the Pituitary gland is under active and produces in sufficient TSH. Diagnosing thyroid problems requires just a simple blood test in most people.
 we cannot make the thyroid work normally but we can easily do what the normal gland does. thyroid hormone supplements are now available in multiple  doses and in most places. Thyroxine tablets should be taken on an empty stomach (preferably) firt thing in the morning) No food or beverages should  be consumed for about 30 minutes.Iron supplements, calcium, fibre laxatives and antacids can interfere with proper absorption so they should be taken after lunch or dinner. Most people have to take their supplements lifelong but one in five may have only a temporary problem.
  Women tend to have thyroid problems more than men. If untreated, this can lead difficulty with conception and miscarriages. The hormone is also important for the baby's growth and development. The good news is that testing is simple and the problem can be  effectively treated. Some women develop a transient throid problem after delivery.
  All medications are not safe.But Thyroid hormone need to be checked is not  only safe, It is good for the Baby. Most women with hypothyroidism need to be checked every six weeks during pregnancy and their doge increased or adjusted. It is important that they do not to stop the thyroid supplement. On the contrary, medication used to treat an over-active thyroid has to be discussed with the doctor and only the minimum required dose taken. Children can also develop thyroid problems.In fact some may be born with it. They should be given thyroid supplements and attain normal growth and puberty if their levels are maintained within the normal age.
 Patients with thyroid disorders usually avoid food like cabbage, cauliflowers, radish and lady's finger. There is no real scientific basis or recommendation, Soya can be consumed in moderation. All these concerns do not matter as long as there is adequate dietary iodine intake( from iodised salt and some grains and cereals and seafood) There are no dietary supplements that help with improving thyroid functions. Yoga is  good for many things but there is no clear scientific evidence regarding it s role as the  definitive therapy for thyroid dysfunction.
 Hyperthyroidism is also frequently caused by  the auto immune process. A more unusual cause is a nodule or nodules in the thyroid over producing the hormones.In rare cases it may also be due to a tumour in the pituitary. The usual symptoms are weight loss, anxiety, sweating,palpitations, sleeplessness, excessive hunger and bulging of eyes. The diagnosis is again  simple and treatment is with medication or in rare cases, radioactive iodine or surgery.
  Not all swellings in the neck region are due to thyroid problem. Examination and simple tests will shed light on the nature of the swelling. While the vast majority are benign about five percent can be due to thyroid cancer. It is important not to ignore any neck swelling at any age. Surgery cures most patients with cancer.
         
                                                          Prof. John Kurakar