Medical Correspondent Haidak Lee Lee-hoㅣSource: Haidak
The thyroid gland is a small endocrine organ located in the middle of the neck and is responsible for regulating the body’s metabolism. Thyroid dysfunction means too much or too little hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. These dysfunctions are accompanied by a variety of symptoms that can affect health. In addition, it can lead to various complications if not properly diagnosed and treated.
Types of thyroid dysfunction are mainly divided into ‘hypothyroidism’ and ‘hyperthyroidism’. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the secretion of thyroid hormones is excessive, leading to a faster metabolic rate, a typical disease is Graves’ disease. Hypothyroidism is a case where the metabolism slows down due to insufficient secretion of thyroid hormone, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a representative disease.
Various causes of dysfunction
The most common cause is disease of the thyroid itself, including thyroiditis and thyroid cancer. In addition, autoimmune diseases, drug side effects, and lifestyle can also cause thyroid dysfunction. For example, hyperthyroidism is caused by an autoimmune disease caused by an attack by the immune system, destruction of thyroid tissue, or thyroidectomy. Hypothyroidism is most often caused by destruction of thyroid tissue by autoimmune disease, radiation therapy, or drugs.
In the case of hypothyroidism, lethargy, indigestion, weight gain, confusion, fatigue, etc. appear, and in the case of hyperthyroidism, insomnia, hand tremors, weight loss, excessive sweating, etc. appear. Symptoms can vary depending on the degree and type of thyroid dysfunction.
To get proper treatment, you need to consult a specialist.
Thyroid dysfunction is diagnosed through a variety of tests. Blood tests are usually used to measure thyroid hormone levels. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels can be checked to determine hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and normal thyroid function. In some cases, additional tests such as ultrasound or radioisotope tests may be carried out. It is best to consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment is different for each disease. However, drug treatment is usually performed to control the secretion of thyroid hormones. In the case of hypothyroidism, hormone levels are maintained through thyroid hormone replacement therapy, and in the case of hyperthyroidism, thyroid hormone secretion is suppressed through antithyroid drugs. In addition, if the cause of abnormal function is a tumor, if there is thyroidectomy and hyperthyroidism that cannot be treated with drugs, radioactive iodine treatment is performed. However, since the treatment method also needs to consider △type of abnormal thyroid function △cause △symptoms △ condition of the patient, consultation with a specialist is absolutely necessary.
Written by Lee Ho Lee, medical reporter at Haidak (surgeon)
