If thyroid problems are identified early, they can be completely controlled with the right medications and diet. Eating on time and exercising will help in maintaining the correct hormone levels. If you have the above symptoms, a simple blood test (TSH, T3, T4) can determine your thyroid levels. Once you start taking the medication, you should not stop it without your doctor’s advice.
A condition in which thyroid hormone is increased is called hyperthyroidism and a condition in which it is decreased is called hypothyroidism. The main reasons leading to this are:
Iodine deficiency: Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormone. A decrease in the amount of iodine in the diet affects the functioning of the gland and causes thyroid swelling (Goiter).
Autoimmune diseases: This is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its own thyroid cells (for example: Hashimoto’s disease). This causes a decrease in hormone production.
Stress: Excessive stress can affect the hormonal balance. Although it does not directly cause thyroid disease, it can worsen existing problems.
Genetic causes: If parents or close relatives in the family have thyroid problems, it is more likely to occur.
Hormonal changes: Women are eight times more likely to develop thyroid problems than men. Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy and menopause, can affect the thyroid.
Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland due to a viral infection or other cause can cause excess hormones to leak into the bloodstream.
