Thyroid hormone is a hormone secreted by the thyroid glands that regulates many bodily functions. When this hormone is secreted in excess or insufficient amounts, it can lead to various diseases in the body. Although the thyroid gland is thought to have a small function in the body, it plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Imbalances in thyroid hormones can negatively affect the functioning of different organs and systems in the body. Thyroid diseases are more common in women than in men.
What is Thyroid Hormone?
Thyroid hormone is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that ensures the proper functioning of the body’s systems. The thyroid gland is located just below the chin, in front of the windpipe, and on either side of it. It has a butterfly-shaped structure and produces the T3 and T4 hormones, which are essential for maintaining bodily health and the proper functioning of certain bodily functions.
The thyroid gland sends the hormones it produces into the bloodstream, ensuring the metabolism functions correctly and efficiently.
How Does the Thyroid Gland Work?
The thyroid gland is stimulated by the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain. Following this stimulation, the thyroid gland begins to secrete T3 and T4 hormones. These thyroid hormones play a vital role in regulating metabolism and strengthening the immune system.
Thyroid hormones have key roles in regulating heart rate, body temperature balance, and the conversion of food into energy. In adults, thyroid hormones ensure that the mechanisms for fat, sugar, and protein metabolism function properly. Additionally, thyroid hormones regulate the development of the brain and intelligence of a baby both in the womb and after birth; they also ensure the proper growth process of children.
What Are Thyroid Gland Diseases?
If thyroid hormones are secreted in excess, a condition called hyperthyroidism occurs, and if secreted insufficiently, it leads to hypothyroidism.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
Heart palpitations
High blood pressure
Sweating
Irritability
Hot and moist skin
Heat intolerance
Weight loss despite normal eating
Trembling hands
Weakness, breakage, thinning, and hair loss
Skin sensitivity and thinning
Chronic diarrhea
Eye enlargement
Sensitivity to bright light
Sleep disturbances
Irregular periods, absence of menstruation, or very heavy periods
Goiter (enlarged thyroid)
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
Fatigue
Easy exhaustion
Slowness in movement
Depression and unhappiness
Cold intolerance
Swelling in the hands and feet
Reduced sweating
Hoarseness
Constipation
Unexplained weight gain
Increased appetite
Forgetfulness
Difficulty concentrating
Delayed puberty in men
Irregularities in women’s periods, reduced menstruation, or absence of menstruation.
What Are Benign Thyroid Diseases?
Thyroid enlargement, known as goiter in common terms, is one of the most common benign thyroid diseases. Goiter can develop in one or several parts of the thyroid gland. These types of enlargements often cause functional disorders in the thyroid gland.
Another benign thyroid disease is thyroid inflammation, also known as Hashimoto’s disease. This condition disrupts the autoimmune system and causes the thyroid gland to be recognized as a foreign body by the immune system, leading to metabolic imbalances.
What Are Malignant Thyroid Diseases?
The most common malignant thyroid disease is thyroid cancer. Cancer in the thyroid gland cells, which results from the breakdown of cells, can sometimes be controlled by monitoring the patient’s quality of life. In some cases, treatment for thyroid cancer involves medication, lifestyle changes, and surgical methods.
Who Is at Risk?
People with a family history of thyroid hormone diseases are more likely to develop thyroid disorders. Consumption of iodine-deficient salt increases the risk of thyroid diseases, especially in individuals with a genetic predisposition. Those who are exposed to excessive radiation or take medications containing substances like lithium, interferon, or amiodarone are also at a higher risk of developing thyroid diseases.
How is a Thyroid Hormone Test Done?
People in high-risk groups should have regular hormone tests according to their symptoms, as early diagnosis of thyroid hormone diseases is important.
Hormone tests are conducted to determine the levels of hormones present in the human body. These tests are usually done based on the guidance of endocrinology specialists to diagnose hormonal disorders. Typically, saliva, urine, and blood samples taken from the patient are analyzed for these tests.
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