What are the functions of the thyroid gland?

And what are its diseases?

And what are its symptoms?

What do you eat if you have an underactive or overactive thyroid gland?

The answers and more are in this comprehensive report.

location of the thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck under the heart (Adam's apple), and is primarily responsible for the production of two hormones, "T3" and "T4" (T4), and these hormones travel with the bloodstream to reach all parts of the body, and play a role It is important to control a lot of activities in the body.

thyroid hormones

  • T4: thyroxine, also called tetraiodothyronine

  • T3: "triiodothyronine," according to the MSD Manuals website.

thyroid gland functions

Thyroid hormones control many activities in the human body, such as the speed at which the body burns calories and the heart rate.

These activities are collectively called as metabolism, which is the chemical processes that occur in the cells of the body with the aim of obtaining energy, or building or destroying molecules and compounds.

This is why some describe the thyroid gland as the body's "dynamo".

There is a group of disorders that affect the thyroid gland, such as inactivity and hyperactivity.

hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. It is more common in women, especially those over the age of sixty. If not treated, it may lead to serious complications such as heart disease and infertility.

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid

Symptoms begin gradually and are initially unnoticed, and may develop over years, and gradually become clearer as the disease progresses, and include:

  • constipation;

  • skin dryness.

  • An increased feeling of cold, meaning that you feel cold easily and unusually.

  • Abnormal weight gain.

  • Depression.

  • Memory problems.

  • Swelling and stiffness in the joints.

  • pain in the joints.

  • Facial swelling.

  • The appearance of hoarseness.

  • Heavy or irregular periods.

  • High level of cholesterol in the blood.


Causes of an underactive thyroid

  • Autoimmune diseases, in which the body attacks the thyroid gland by secreting antibodies that attack it, such as people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

  • Heredity plays a role in the disease.

  • Iodine deficiency, an essential component of thyroid hormone production and found in seafood and iodized salt.

  • Pituitary diseases.

  • Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer may affect the thyroid gland.

  • Some medicines such as lithium.

Complications of hypothyroidism

  • Goiter.

  • heart problems;

  • slow mental performance

  • Depression.

  • Damage to the nerves in the extremities, which may lead to poor muscle control.

  • infertility;

  • Pregnant women with hypothyroidism have an increased risk of congenital malformations.

  • Myxedema is a very serious, rare and life-threatening condition that occurs in undiagnosed hypothyroidism, and its symptoms include feeling cold, dizzy and drowsy, and then may progress to coma.

    And an ambulance must be called immediately because this situation may lead to the death of the person.

hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the gland secretes excessive amounts of the hormone thyroxine, which has effects on the body such as sudden weight loss, rapid heartbeat and nervousness.

If not treated, it may lead to serious complications, such as vision loss and heart failure.

Hyperthyroidism is usually linked to genetics, as it appears in some families, and if one of your family members has had the disease, this means that you are also at risk of developing it.

It is also more common in women than in men.

Causes of hyperthyroidism

  • Graves disease, an autoimmune disease in which antibodies secreted by the immune system stimulate the thyroid gland to produce large amounts of hormones.

  • Thyroiditis.

  • Eat a large amount of food that contains iodine.

  • A benign (noncancerous) growth in the thyroid or pituitary gland.

  • Some testicular or ovarian tumors.

  • An x-ray involves giving the person a dye containing iodine.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism

  • The movement of the intestines accelerates, so the person often goes to the toilet, and diarrhea may develop.

  • hair loss;

  • Hypertension.

  • nausea;

  • vomiting;

  • Goiter (goiter).

  • Sudden weight loss even if the person is not eating a small amount of food, and in some cases even with an increase in food intake.

  • Rapid heartbeat.

  • increased appetite;

  • nervousness and agitation;

  • anxiety.

  • increased sweating;

  • Changes in the menstrual cycle in women.

  • Increased sensitivity to hot weather, meaning that a person cannot stand sitting in warm places.

    This is in contrast to what happens in hypothyroidism, in which a person becomes sensitive to cold.

  • Sleeping difficulties.

  • trembling.

  • exophthalmos;

  • Breast development in men (gynecomastia).

Symptoms of mental hyperthyroidism

  • nervousness and agitation;

  • anxiety.

Complications of hyperthyroidism

  • Rapid heartbeat.

  • Atrial fibrillation.

  • myocardial insufficiency;

  • Osteoporosis.

  • Eye problems, such as bulging and red eyes, may also lead to vision loss.

  • skin redness;

  • Thyrotoxic crisis, an emergency situation that causes a person to develop a fever, rapid heartbeat, and delirium, and requires immediate medical assistance and emergency care.


Thyroid analysis

Blood tests

Blood tests are one of the most definitive ways to diagnose a thyroid problem.

These tests measure the amount of thyroid hormones in your blood.

These tests are done by drawing blood from a vein in your arm, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Specific blood tests that will be done to test the thyroid gland may include:

TSH

TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is produced in the pituitary gland and regulates the balance of thyroid hormones—including T4 and T3—in the bloodstream. This is usually the first test your provider does to check for a thyroid hormone imbalance.Most of the time, hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism) is associated with an elevated level of TSH, while hyperthyroidism is associated with a high level of TSH. Hypothyroidism (hyperthyroidism) with a low level of TSH9. If TSH is abnormal, direct measurement of thyroid hormones, including T4 (thyroxine), can be done. T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) to further assess the problem Normal TSH range for adults: 0.40-4.50 milli-international units per liter of blood.

T4

Thyroid hormone tests for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, used to monitor treatment of thyroid disorders.

Low T4 is observed with hypothyroidism, while elevated T4 levels may indicate hyperthyroidism.

Normal T4 for adults: 5.0-11.0 mcg/dL.

Free T4

Free T4 is a method of T4 measurement that eliminates the effect of proteins that normally bind T4 and may prevent accurate measurement.

Normal FT4 range for adults: 0.9-1.7 ng/dL.

T3

Triiodothyronine tests help diagnose hyperthyroidism, or show the severity of the hyperthyroidism.

Low T3 levels can be seen in hypothyroidism, but often this test is useful in diagnosing and treating hyperthyroidism, where T3 levels are elevated.

Normal T3 range: 100-200 ng/dL.

Free T3

Free T3, or free triiodothyronine, is a method of T3 measurement that eliminates the effect of proteins that normally bind T3 and may prevent accurate measurement.

Normal FT3 range: 2.3-4.1 pg/mL.

Thyroid antibodies

These tests help identify different types of autoimmune thyroid disease.

Common thyroid antibody tests include microsomal antibodies—also known as thyroid peroxidase antibodies or TPO—and thyroglobulin antibodies. Also known as TG antibodies, thyroid receptor antibodies.

Calcitonin

This test is used to diagnose C-cell hyperplasia and medullary thyroid carcinoma, both rare thyroid disorders.

Thyroglobulin

This test is used to diagnose thyroiditis and to monitor treatment for thyroid cancer.

Thyroid imaging tests

Thyroid examination

It is an imaging test called a thyroid scan.

It allows your doctor to look at your thyroid gland to check for increased size, shape or growth (nodules).

Ultrasound

The doctor may also use an imaging test called an ultrasound.

This is a diagnostic procedure that transmits high-frequency sound waves, inaudible to the human ear, through body tissues.

The echoes are recorded and converted to video or photographic images.

Thyroid physical examination

Another way to quickly check your thyroid is through a physical exam in your health care provider's office.

This is a very simple and painless test where your provider feels your neck for any growth or enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Thyroid treatment

The goal of thyroid treatment is to return thyroid hormone levels to normal.

This can be done in several ways and each specific treatment depends on the cause of the thyroid condition, according to the Cleveland Clinic website.

Hypothyroidism treatment

If you have low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism), the main treatment option is:

Thyroid replacement medication

This medication is a synthetic way to add thyroid hormones back into your body.

One of the most commonly used medicines is called levothyroxine.

With medication, you can control your thyroid disease and live a normal life.

hyperthyroidism treatment

If you have high levels of thyroid hormones, treatment options can include:

  • Antithyroid medications (methimazole and propylthiouracil): These are medications that prevent the thyroid gland from producing hormones.

  • Radioactive iodine: This treatment damages thyroid cells and prevents them from making high levels of thyroid hormones.

  • Beta-blockers: These medications do not change the amount of hormones in your body, but they do help control symptoms.

  • Surgery: For a more permanent form of treatment, your health care provider may surgically remove your thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).

    This will prevent it from forming hormones.

    However, you will need to take thyroid hormones for the rest of your life.


Thyroid check at home

You can do a quick and easy thyroid self-exam at home.

The only tools you need to perform this self-exam are a mirror and a glass of water, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

To perform a thyroid self-exam, follow these steps:

  • Start by locating the thyroid gland.

    In general, you'll find the thyroid gland in the front of your neck, between your collar bone and Adam's apple.

    In men, the Adam's apple is easy to see.

    For women, it's usually easier to look up from the collarbone.

  • Tilt your head back as you look in the mirror.

    Look at your neck, and try to focus on the area you'll be looking at once you start the test.

  • Once you are ready, drink the water while tilting your head back.

    Watch your thyroid gland as you swallow.

    During this test, you look for lumps or bumps.

    You may be able to see it when you swallow water.

  • Repeat this test several times to take a closer look at the thyroid gland.

    If you see any lumps or bumps, contact your health care provider.

thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland.

It is more common in people in their thirties and over the age of 60.

Women are 2 to 3 times more likely to get it than men.

Thyroid cancer is usually treatable and in many cases completely curable, although it can sometimes come back after treatment, according to the UK's National Health Service.

Thyroid cancer symptoms

Symptoms of thyroid cancer can include:

  • A painless lump or swelling in the front of the neck.

  • Swollen glands in the neck.

  • Unexplained hoarseness that does not improve after a few weeks.

  • Sore throat that does not get better.

  • Difficulty swallowing.

Thyroid symptoms in men

The previous symptoms are generally the same that we mentioned in the case of hypothyroidism or its activity.

It can be seen that hyperthyroidism may lead to the development of mammary glands in men (gynecomastia), and hyperthyroidism may cause low sperm count.

Also, according to Dr. Mahmoud Zari, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar, in previous statements to Al Jazeera Clinic, hypothyroidism may affect fertility in men and women, adding that also in cases of hypothyroidism the number of Sperm a little, and after treatment the sperm returned to their normal level.

Thyroid and pregnancy

وفقا للدكتور زرعي، فإن قصور الغدة الدرقية قد يؤثر في الخصوبة عند الرجل والمرأة، وأيضا هو مهم للحامل، إذ إن وجود مشاكل في الغدة الدرقية خلال الفترة الأولى في الحمل قد يؤدي إلى الإجهاض أو إلى عدم اكتمال نمو دماغ الجنين.

هل مشاكل الغدة الدرقية تمنع الحمل؟

يمكن أن يؤثر كل من قصور الغدة الدرقية وفرط نشاط الغدة الدرقية سلبا على الخصوبة، سواء من حيث القدرة على الحمل والقدرة على استمرار الحمل إلى نهايته. يمكن أن يؤثر أيضا وجود الأجسام المضادة للمناعة الذاتية، مع أو من دون فرط نشاط الغدة الدرقية أو قصور الغدة الدرقية، على خصوبتك.

خمول الغدة الدرقية وخصوبة المرأة

يمكن أن يؤثر النقص الشديد في هرمون الغدة الدرقية على الخصوبة بالطرق التالية:

  • اضطراب الدورة الشهرية، مما يجعل الحمل أكثر صعوبة.
  • التأثير على عملية الإباضة.
  • زيادة خطر الإجهاض.
  • زيادة خطر الولادة المبكرة.

فرط نشاط الغدة الدرقية وخصوبة المرأة

يمكن أن يؤثر الكثير من هرمون الغدة الدرقية الناتج عن فرط نشاط الغدة الدرقية على الخصوبة عن طريق:

  • تعطيل الدورة الشهرية.
  • زيادة مخاطر الإجهاض المبكر.
  • زيادة مخاطر الولادة المبكرة.

أعراض الغدة الدرقية عند الأطفال

أعراض الغدة الدرقية عند الأطفال تشبه الكبار، والتالي المزيد من التفاصيل حولها:

أعراض فرط نشاط الغدة الدرقية عند الأطفال

يمكن أن تشمل علامات فرط نشاط الغدة الدرقية ما يلي، وفقا لمستشفى ميشيغان للأطفال (Children’s Hospital of Michigan):

  • ارتعاش اليدين وصعوبة التركيز.
  • تسارع دقات القلب.
  • تضخم الغدة الدرقية.
  • مشاكل العرق والنوم.
  • شهية كبيرة مع فقدان الوزن.
  • التحديق بعيون واسعة بما في ذلك انتفاخ العينين.
  • الإغماء.
  • البراز الرخو.

السبب الأكثر شيوعا لفرط نشاط الغدة الدرقية لدى الأطفال والمراهقين هو حالة من أمراض المناعة الذاتية تسمى مرض "غريفز" (Graves disease)، والتي تجعل الجسم ينتج أجساما مضادة تحفز الغدة الدرقية بشكل لا يمكن السيطرة عليه، مما يؤدي إلى زيادة إفراز هرمون الغدة الدرقية.

أعراض خمول الغدة الدرقية عند الأطفال

يمكن أن تشمل علامات قصور الغدة الدرقية ما يلي:

  • انخفاض الطاقة.
  • مظهر منتفخ للطفل.
  • زيادة الوزن دون زيادة الشهية.
  • انخفاض معدل النمو.
  • وجع العضلات.
  • الإمساك أو صعوبة البراز في كثير من الأحيان.
  • تقصف الشعر.
  • جفاف الجلد.

السبب الأكثر شيوعا لقصور الغدة الدرقية عند الأطفال والمراهقين هو حالة من أمراض المناعة الذاتية تسمى التهاب الغدة الدرقية "هاشيموتو"، والتي تجعل الجسم ينتج أجساما مضادة تهاجم الغدة الدرقية وتدمرها، مما يؤدي إلى إنتاج القليل جدا من هرمون الغدة الدرقية.

ماذا تأكل إذا كنت مصابا بخمول الغدة الدرقية أو فرط نشاطها؟

كما قلنا سابقا تتحكم هرمونات الغدة الدرقية بالعديد من الأنشطة في جسم الإنسان، مثل السرعة التي يحرق بها الجسم السعرات الحرارية ومعدل نبضات القلب.

ويحدث خمول الغدة الدرقية عندما لا تنتج كمية كافية من الهرمونات، وهو أكثر شيوعا لدى النساء خاصة من تجاوزن سن 60 عاما، وفي حالة عدم علاجه فقد يؤدي إلى مضاعفات خطيرة مثل أمراض القلب والعقم.

أما في فرط نشاط الغدة الدرقية فيحدث العكس، مما يترك آثارا على الجسم مثل فقدان الوزن المفاجئ وتسارع نبضات القلب والعصبية. وفي حال عدم علاجه قد يؤدي إلى مضاعفات خطيرة، مثل فقدان البصر وقصور القلب.

ووفقا لموقع "هارفارد" للطب (health.harvard)، فإن الشخص لا يحتاج إلى اتباع نظام غذائي خاص أثناء تناول أدوية الغدة الدرقية، مع بعض الاستثناءات.

ويوصي الموقع بالتالي:

  • تقليل الأطعمة التي تحتوي على بروتين الصويا، لأن تناول كميات كبيرة من الصويا قد يؤثر على امتصاص هرمون الغدة الدرقية.
  • تجنب الكميات الزائدة من اليود، سواء في الأدوية أو المكملات الغذائية، حيث قد يؤدي اليود الزائد إلى تغيير مستوى هرمون الغدة الدرقية.

في المقابل، فإن معظم الأطعمة الغنية باليود -مثل المنتجات المعالجة باليود أو الأسماك- مسموحة.

كما ينصح موقع هارفارد بتناول غذاء صحي بشكل عام لدعم صحة الشخص العامة، بما فيها صحة الغدة الدرقية، عبر التالي:

  • اتباع نظام غذائي متنوع يتضمن الكثير من الفواكه والخضروات والحبوب الكاملة.
  • يفضل الحصول على البروتين من مصادر قليلة الدهون مثل الأسماك والبقول.
  • اعتماد الزيوت الصحية مثل زيت الزيتون.
  • ينصح بتقليل الدهون السيئة، مثل الدهون المشبعة التي تأتي عادة من المنتجات الحيوانية مثل اللحوم والجبن، والدهون المتحولة والزيوت المهدرجة في الأطعمة المصنعة والسمن النباتي.
  • التركيز على الدهون المتعددة غير المشبعة من الزيوت النباتية، ودهون أوميغا 3 الموجودة في الأسماك الزيتية مثل السلمون.
  • البذور والمكسرات خيارات صحية.

  • Cut back on sodas, chips, sweets and other fast foods that are high in calories and few in nutrients.

  • Eat more dietary fiber that helps improve digestion, and is found in vegetables, fruits and whole grain products such as brown bread and brown rice.

The British Thyroid Foundation recommends drinking plenty of fluids, at least 6 to 8 glasses a day.

She notes that soy interferes with the absorption of thyroid hormone, so if you are taking thyroid hormone you should try to avoid soy.