What is the thyroid gland?
The thyroid is a gland in the neck, at the base of the throat.
The thyroid produces hormones that help control many metabolic processes in the body, such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight.
What are thyroid problems?
Thyroid disorders can range from an enlarged gland that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much thyroid hormone leads to a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Too little leads to hypothyroidism. Although the effects can be unpleasant or uncomfortable, most thyroid problems can be treated well once they are correctly diagnosed. Even a diagnosis of thyroid cancer is far from hopeless. This type of cancer is considered curable and in most cases responds well to treatment. Treatment in Switzerland can resolve many thyroid problems. Seeing an endocrinologist promptly when problems arise is an important step in maintaining your health.
What types of thyroid problems are there?
The main types of thyroid disease:
- Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. The most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are anxiety or nervousness, intolerance of heat, a rapid heartbeat, tiredness and weight loss, even when you eat the same amount of food. Hyperthyroidism is sometimes called thyrotoxicosis.
- Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism can last for years without any signs. When symptoms do appear, they can be very varied and may include tiredness, intolerance of cold, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, poor memory and depression.
- Thyroid cancer is when some of the cells in the thyroid become cancerous. Thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men and is usually diagnosed in people over 50. It can usually be treated successfully.
Other thyroid problems include nodules that grow in the thyroid, an inflamed thyroid and an enlarged thyroid. These conditions can lead to either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Because the thyroid plays an important role in controlling many of the body’s functions, if it does not work properly it can lead to serious health problems. If you think you may have a thyroid problem, it is important to see a doctor.
Blood tests
Your doctor can diagnose hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism by checking the level of thyroid hormones in your blood. The tests measure the thyroid hormones themselves, as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a chemical released by the pituitary gland that triggers the thyroid to work.
When you have hypothyroidism, your TSH level is higher, because your body is trying to make the thyroid produce more hormone. With hyperthyroidism it is the other way round: the TSH level is below normal and the level of thyroid hormones is high.
One unusual type of thyroid cancer can be diagnosed with a blood test that measures the level of calcitonin, a hormone involved in building bone.
