The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck. Although quite small, weighing just 15-30 grams, it is vital for the human body as it regulates vital functions. If the thyroid gland is not functioning normally, patients can experience tiredness, weight change, muscle pain, mental health symptoms, sleep disturbance, being sensitive to temperature, and dry skin and hair. Effective thyroid treatment can prevent these ailments and restore wellbeing.
The thyroid gland has 2 main functions: the first is to control metabolism which is the rate at which all the chemical processes in the body work to turn food into energy, and the second is to control growth in early life.
The thyroid produces 2 main hormones; thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid needs iodine to make these hormones. Iodine is found naturally in fish, shellfish, cereals, grains, vegetables and cow’s milk.
The function of this endocrine gland can be affected by various internal and external factors affecting the human body, such as stress, chronic infection, environmental contamination, malnutrition, unsanitary living conditions, iodine metabolism disorders or inheredited conditions.
The thyroid can function abnormally in 2 ways. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid produces more hormones than it should. This means metabolism will run too fast, resulting in symptoms like difficulty sleeping, increased heart rate and weight loss. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, resulting in symptoms like depression, weight gain and being sensitive to cold. Both types of thyroid dysfunction can cause tiredness and weakness.
In the case of malfunctioning of the thyroid gland, treatment is necessary because failure to act in time can affect all other organs. The most common are changes in heart rate, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, nervous system, menstrual cycle in women and pregnancy loss in pregnant women.
If the thyroid gland is found to be malfunctioning, its dysfunction is treated with medication, radioactive iodine, or surgery. Effective treatment is given individually to each patient based on body weight, age and comorbidities until the function of the thyroid gland returns to normal.
Specialists at Northway Clinic seek to promote a healthy lifestyle for disease prevention. The most successful way of treating such diseases is an early diagnosis.
For effective treatment of thyroid-related disorders, we offer a special thyroid-screening program that includes various examinations, ultrasound of anterior cervical organs, and extensive consultation with an endocrinologist.
