Thyroid diseases are common health issues that affect the function or structure of the thyroid gland. The thyroid, located at the front of the neck and shaped like a butterfly, is responsible for secreting hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, development, and energy metabolism. When the thyroid function or structure is abnormal, it can lead to various symptoms and, in severe cases, affect the function of organs throughout the body. Understanding the basic knowledge of thyroid diseases helps in early detection and treatment.
Thyroid diseases include various types, such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer. These diseases may be related to genetics, immune system abnormalities, environmental factors, or aging. In recent years, the incidence of thyroid diseases has gradually increased due to increased life stress and environmental pollution, becoming an important issue affecting global public health. This article will comprehensively discuss the overview of thyroid diseases from the perspectives of causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Genetic predisposition is an important risk factor for thyroid diseases. If there are patients with thyroid diseases in the family, the likelihood of the offspring developing the disease may increase. For example, autoimmune thyroiditis (such as Hashimoto's disease and Graves' disease) is associated with specific gene polymorphisms. Additionally, abnormalities in the immune system may mistakenly identify thyroid tissue as foreign, triggering a chronic inflammatory response that ultimately leads to hormonal secretion disorders.
Environmental exposure and lifestyle habits may also trigger thyroid problems. Residents in iodine-deficient areas are prone to thyroid enlargement due to insufficient iodine intake, while excessive iodine intake may induce thyroid dysfunction. High stress, lack of sleep, and unhealthy dietary habits may affect the regulatory function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Moreover, certain medications (such as amiodarone) or environmental pollutants (such as uranium and lead) may also interfere with thyroid function.
Typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism (excessive secretion of thyroid hormones) include palpitations, tremors, unexplained weight loss, excessive sweating, and irritability. Patients may experience frequent urination, insomnia, and an increased heart rate leading to elevated blood pressure. Some patients may have protruding eyes (Graves' ophthalmopathy) or skin redness and swelling, which need to be differentiated from other systemic symptoms.
When hypothyroidism occurs, the metabolic rate in the body decreases, and common symptoms include fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, memory decline, and muscle pain. Patients may experience dry skin, brittle hair, or menstrual irregularities. In severe cases, it may lead to myxedema, resulting in confusion or difficulty breathing.
The core of diagnosing thyroid diseases lies in blood tests. Routine items include thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, T4 concentrations, and antibody measurements (such as anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies). A low TSH level accompanied by elevated T3/T4 indicates hyperthyroidism, while the opposite suggests hypothyroidism. The diagnosis of autoimmune diseases requires a combination of antibody indices and clinical manifestations.
Ultrasound examinations can assess the size of the thyroid, the nature of nodules, and blood flow distribution. Radioactive isotope scans can differentiate between "hot nodules" and "cold nodules," assisting in determining benign or malignant conditions. In suspected cancer cases, fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) is a key diagnostic tool that allows direct analysis of tissue cytological changes.
Patients with hypothyroidism typically need to take synthetic thyroid hormones (such as levothyroxine) long-term to compensate for hormone deficiency. For hyperthyroidism, anti-thyroid medications (such as methimazole) may be used to inhibit hormone synthesis. Severe symptoms may be alleviated with the addition of beta-blockers to relieve palpitations and other symptoms.
When thyroid nodules are malignant or excessively large, compressing surrounding tissues, surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid (subtotal or total thyroidectomy) may be necessary. Radioactive iodine treatment is commonly used for hyperthyroidism or benign goiter treatment, utilizing radioactive iodine-131 to destroy overactive thyroid tissue. Post-surgery, patients need lifelong supplementation of thyroid hormones.
Although some thyroid diseases cannot be completely prevented, the risk can be reduced through the following measures:
Avoid exposure to environmental toxins, such as industrial chemicals or areas contaminated by radiation. Women's thyroid function may fluctuate during pregnancy or menopause, and hormone levels should be closely monitored during these times. Regular self-examinations of the neck for painless lumps and attention to changes in weight and metabolic indicators such as body temperature are advised.
Seek medical attention promptly if the following conditions occur:
Even if symptoms are mild, if there is a family history of thyroid cancer or autoimmune diseases, proactive thyroid function screening should be conducted. Doctors may further arrange ultrasound or blood tests to assess thyroid function status.
If symptoms of thyroid storm such as high fever, arrhythmia, or confusion occur, immediate medical attention is required. Thyroid storm may be exacerbated by uncontrolled hyperthyroidism and requires hospitalization for high-dose medications and supportive treatment. Timely diagnosis and treatment can effectively reduce the risk of complications.
When experiencing unexplained rapid weight changes, palpitations, tremors, cold intolerance, or persistent fatigue, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible. These symptoms may be related to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, especially if they persist for more than 4 weeks or affect daily life, blood tests should be conducted to confirm thyroid hormone levels.
How should patients with thyroid diseases control iodine intake in their diet?Iodine intake should be adjusted based on the type of disease: those with hyperthyroidism should avoid high-iodine foods (such as seaweed), while patients with hypothyroidism generally do not need to restrict iodine but should follow medical advice. Both excess and deficiency can affect medication efficacy, and it is recommended to consult a nutritionist to develop a personalized dietary plan.
What are the effects of missing doses of thyroid medication during treatment?Missing doses of thyroid hormone replacement medication (such as levothyroxine) may lead to rebound symptoms, such as fatigue or slowed metabolism. It should be taken as soon as possible on the same day, but if it is close to the next scheduled dose, it should be skipped, and the normal dose should be taken the next day. Long-term irregular medication use may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and it is recommended to set reminders to maintain stable blood drug levels.
What are the potential risks of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy for the fetus?Hypothyroidism during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, or developmental issues in the fetus. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) needs to be strictly controlled within the standard range during pregnancy, and pregnant women should undergo blood tests every 6-8 weeks and adjust medication dosage under the joint monitoring of obstetricians and endocrinologists.
Can acupuncture or herbal therapy treat thyroid diseases?Currently, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support acupuncture or herbal therapy as direct treatments for thyroid diseases. These methods may serve as adjunct therapies to alleviate symptoms but cannot replace Western medicine's hormone replacement therapy or anti-thyroid medications. Patients should avoid discontinuing regular medications on their own and discuss the risks and benefits of integrated treatment plans with their doctors.
%201.svg)
Copyright © 2025 MedFrontiers. All Rights Reserved.
