The Thyroid
The thyroid gland is located in the basal region of the neck, and it is positioned beneath the Adam’s apple. This small gland is wholly responsible for the production of two metabolic hormones called T3 and T4. These hormones migrate extensively throughout the human body, and they regulate a multitude of different biological and physical functions.
One such function that is commonly attributed to these hormones is regulation of the basal metabolic rate, which determines the number of calories that one burns in the absence of physical exercise. These hormones also assume a regulatory role in heart rate. Unfortunately, the thyroid gland is often the source of a number of disorders, resulting in metabolic problems.
Thyroid Diseases
Hyperthyroidism
One of the most commonly detected thyroid diseases in the human population is hyperthyroidism, in which the thyroid gland produces an excess of T3 and T4. Essentially, this gives rise to an overactive thyroid gland. In some cases, hyperthyroidism gives rise to a disorder known as Grave’s disease, in which the body launches an autoimmune attack against itself. In the case of Grave’s disease, this autoimmune attack further increases the rate of production for T3 and T4 hormones.
The symptoms that are commonly associated with hyperthyroidism include weight loss, excessive food consumption, rapid heart rate, irritation, sleep disturbances, trembling, excessive sweat, weakness, heat sensitivity, and abnormal menstrual cycles. Osteoporosis is another commonly-observed problem among sufferers of hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism
On the opposite end of the spectrum, some suffer from a condition known as hypothyroidism, in which their thyroid glands produce an insufficient amount of the metabolic hormones. Hypothyroidism is often associated with a related illness known as Hashimoto’s disease, which is identified as a major causal factor behind the onset of this hypothyroidism. When Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder, causes the immune system to attack the thyroid, the thyroid produces very little T3 and T4 hormones as a result.
Hypothyroidism often results in inexplicable weight gain, temperature sensitivity, intestinal issues, muscle pain, extreme fatigue and a bloated face.
Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules can emerge when a segment of the thyroid gland becomes inflamed and fluid begins to collect there. Some individuals develop multiple nodules. While most nodules appear to be asymptomatic, they do occasionally give rise to symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Less than 10% of all nodules proliferate into cancer. However, generally speaking, this is seldom observed in the medical community, and thyroid nodules tend to increase in prominence with age.
Thyroiditis
This condition involves the inflammation of the thyroid gland. There are many variations of this disease, one of which is termed Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Additionally, some individuals suffer from postpartum thyroiditis, an immune-basic condition that afflicts 5-10% of the female population after giving birth. Genetics and the presence of an autoimmune disease play a fundamental role in the cause of thyroiditis.
Other forms of thyroiditis include painless thyroiditis, or silent thyroiditis. While the symptoms are generally identical to those associated with postpartum thyroiditis, silent thyroiditis is not correlated with pregnancy.
Subacute thyroiditis gives rise to symptoms similar to that of postpartum thyroiditis, but this condition is accompanied by a prolific degree of pain in the neck, ear, and the jaw, as well. In some cases, an infection induces the onset of this disease.
Testing
The first step in treating thyroid disease is precise testing. Upon being tested, your doctor will gauge the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone in your blood stream, as this will indicate the relative activity level of your thyroid gland. TSH is the hormone that is responsible for signaling the production of T3 and T4.
Even if these initial tests are relatively conclusive, your doctor may order additional tests to glean the quantity of T3 and T4 in your bloodstream. Furthermore, if your doctor detects any sign of an autoimmune disorder, he/she will request additional testing. In other cases, a thyroid scan may be administered after you have consumed a small portion of radioactive iodine. This radioactive substance makes the thyroid more visible during the scan.
Treatments
There are treatments available for a number of thyroid conditions. Hyperthyroidism, for instance, is addressed with radioiodine, and in some cases, may be accompanied by surgery and antithyroid medications.
Hypothyroidism is addressed with medicinal sources of T3 and T4 until their thyroid gland functions at a better capacity. There are artificially synthesized T3 and T3 hormones that can be taken. Your doctor may suggest other therapies as well.
Thyroid nodules are treated in a much different fashion. If a nodule shows no cancerous properties and is not causing discomfort, your doctor may simply wish to monitor it. Frequent testing and examinations can rule out the possibility of cancer. One particularly effective treatment for these nodules entails the consumption of radioiodine.
Another treatment for thyroid nodules is alcohol ablation. During the process of alcohol ablation, your physician will expose your thyroid nodules directly to alcohol through an injection and this will counteract hormone production in the nodule. The alcohol ablation method will decrease the size of the nodule altogether. Cancerous nodules, when found, are removed through an invasive, surgical procedure.
The presence of a goiter may signal a simple iodine insufficiency, which can be addressed easily with an iodine supplement. The goiter can also be removed through surgery.
Fibromyalgia and Thyroid Disease
As you can see, some of the symptoms of hyper- and hypothyroidism overlap with fibromyalgia, so it is possible to misdiagnose either disease. Additionally, a problem with your thyroid can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms: a lower metabolic rate makes it harder for the body to eliminate cellular waste and toxins and can add to fatigue, for example.
Fibromyalgia is already difficult to cope with. If you have any reason to believe that you might also have a thyroid problem, it is crucial that you get tested and identify the appropriate treatment. Improving the function of your thyroid allows your body to focus its healing functions on the fibromyalgia symptoms, and finding effective treatments for your fibromyalgia may make it easier for your thyroid to heal.
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