The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in producing hormones that regulate metabolism, ensuring the body’s development. According to endocrinologists, if you’re experiencing the following symptoms related to the thyroid gland, it’s essential to visit a reputable healthcare facility to protect its health.
1. Signs of Thyroid Disorders You Should Get Checked
1.1 Swelling in the Neck (Goiter)
One of the most obvious signs indicating thyroid issues is neck swelling, known as a goiter. This symptom often correlates closely with the body’s iodine deficiency. Goiter development may lead to issues like difficulty swallowing, breathing problems, and aesthetically unpleasing neck appearance.
Neck swelling is a typical thyroid symptom
1.2 Muscle and Joint Pain
Individuals with thyroid disorders may experience muscle and joint pain, commonly associated with conditions like brachial plexus neuropathy. Those lacking thyroid hormones often feel tingling sensations in their arms, while an excess of these hormones can lead to weakness, muscle fatigue, and joint stiffness, affecting coordination.
1.3 Brittle Hair Loss and Dry Skin
Thyroid hormone imbalances can hinder hair follicle and skin conditions, leading to brittle, easily breakable hair and dry, sensitive skin prone to flaking.
1.4 Irregular Menstruation in Women
Women experiencing irregular menstruation cycles, heavy or scanty periods, delayed or absent periods, might be indicating an abnormal thyroid condition. Hypothyroidism may shorten and lessen menstrual cycles, whereas hyperthyroidism often brings early and closer menstrual cycles. Prolonged menstrual irregularities can also affect ovarian function, fertility, and potentially cause infertility.
1.5 Decreased Libido
Thyroid hormones directly impact the body’s reproductive processes. Therefore, abnormalities in this gland may disrupt endocrine balance, leading to decreased libido and infertility.
1.6 Digestive Issues
Digestive problems like constipation or diarrhea, along with the aforementioned thyroid symptoms, could be warning signs of thyroid disorders.
1.7 Unexplained Weight Changes
Sudden weight fluctuations despite unchanged eating habits can be another red flag for thyroid disorders. Hyperthyroid patients tend to lose weight despite increased appetite, while hypothyroidism can cause weight gain despite reduced appetite. Additionally, thyroid issues may manifest as rapid heart rate, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
If you experience one or more of these signs of thyroid disorders, you may have a thyroid disorder.
Weight changes are also noticeable signs in thyroid disorder patients.
2. Common Thyroid Disorders
– Hyperthyroidism: Results from an overproduction of thyroid hormones, accelerating the body’s metabolic activities.
– Hypothyroidism: Occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient hormones to meet the body’s needs, slowing down metabolic processes.
– Benign Thyroid Nodules: These are noncancerous enlargements of the thyroid gland or abnormal cell growth. Causes may include iodine deficiency, Graves’ disease, congenital hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, or thyroid tumors.
– Thyroid Cancer: A prevalent form of cancer arising from malignant cells developing from normal thyroid gland cells. Certain factors such as previous neck radiation exposure and familial history increase the risk.
3. What to Do When Detecting Thyroid Disorder Symptoms
Any thyroid irregularities can affect the body’s metabolic functions. Therefore, timely diagnosis is crucial. If you suspect signs of thyroid disorders, promptly schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist for accurate assessment. Early-stage thyroid diseases can be entirely treatable.
Thyroid disorder diagnoses often rely on clinical and paraclinical examinations. After assessing symptoms, medical history, family history, and lifestyle habits, your doctor may recommend several tests for precise diagnosis. These may include:
3.1 Thyroid Ultrasound
Commonly used to detect abnormalities such as nodules or signs of hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroiditis.
Ultrasound uses high-frequency waves to depict thyroid gland images conducted at Thu Cuc TCI.
3.2 Thyroid Function Tests
After collecting blood and urine samples, the doctor measures thyroid hormone levels (T3, TF4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Abnormal results may indicate thyroid dysfunction.
3.3 Thyroid Scintigraphy
Using SPECT/CT devices to display the shape, size, and activity of the thyroid gland. Patients are typically administered a small amount of radioactive iodine (usually 131 or Technetium-99m) before the procedure.
3.4 Thyroid Biopsy
Indicated if malignancy is suspected. Under ultrasound guidance, a small needle is inserted into a thyroid nodule or lymph node to collect cells for histopathological examination.
Following a diagnosis, patients receive appropriate treatment to ensure quality of life.
With the information provided, you can better recognize significant thyroid symptoms, proactively seek medical attention, and promptly diagnose any potential illnesses. At TCI – Thu Cuc Healthcare System’s Endocrinology Department, our experienced physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating thyroid disorders, equipped with modern medical equipment for accurate and swift diagnosis, ensuring patients’ peace of mind during treatment.
