What is Thyroid?

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck, just below the larynx. It produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism and control many important functions. The main hormones are Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones govern energy production, temperature regulation, heart rate, digestion and many other important processes in the body.

Duties of the Thyroid Gland

• Metabolism Regulation: Thyroid hormones control the rate at which the body uses energy. This directly affects weight gain or loss, energy levels and overall body function.
• Growth and Development: Thyroid hormones are critical for brain and bone development, especially in infancy and childhood.
• Heart and Nervous System: Thyroid hormones, which regulate the heart rate, also play an important role in the proper functioning of the nervous system and muscles.
• Body Temperature Control: Thyroid hormone balances body temperature and provides heat regulation of the body.

What are Thyroid Disorders?

When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, hormone production in the body is either insufficient or excessive. This can lead to various health problems:

• Hypothyroidism: It is a condition in which the thyroid gland cannot produce enough hormones. It manifests itself with symptoms such as slowing metabolism, weight gain, weakness, feeling cold, constipation and dry skin.
• Hyperthyroidism: When the thyroid gland produces excessive hormones, symptoms such as fast metabolism, weight loss, irritability, sweating, tremors and palpitations occur.
• Thyroid Nodules: They are small masses that form in the thyroid gland. They are usually harmless, but some nodules may increase the risk of thyroid cancer.
• Thyroid Cancer: It is a malignant tumour of the thyroid gland. It may not give symptoms in the early stages, but symptoms such as swelling in the neck, hoarseness and difficulty swallowing may be seen in the later stages.

Treatment of Thyroid Diseases

Thyroid diseases are usually diagnosed by blood tests and imaging methods such as ultrasound. Treatment methods vary according to the type and severity of thyroid disease.

1. Medication Therapy:
   • Hypothyroidism: Medicines containing synthetic thyroid hormone (usually levothyroxine) are used to compensate for insufficient hormone production.
   • Hyperthyroidism: Medicines such as methimazole and propylthiouracil are used to control excess hormone production.
2. Radioactive Iodine Treatment: With this method, which is widely used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, radioactive iodine destroys excess hormone-producing cells in the thyroid gland. This treatment usually leads to hypothyroidism in the long term and patients may need lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
3. Surgical Intervention:
   • Thyroidectomy: Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. It can be performed for thyroid cancer or large nodules. There is a risk of developing hypothyroidism after surgery and patients may need hormone replacement therapy.
4. Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy: In thyroid cancer cases, radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments can also be applied depending on the spread of the tumour.
5. Iodine Supplementation: In cases of hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency, iodine supplementation supports the function of the thyroid gland.

Lifestyle Changes in Thyroid Treatment

Lifestyle changes are of great importance to maintain thyroid health and support the treatment of thyroid diseases. A balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management have a positive effect on thyroid function. In addition, adequate intake of nutrients such as selenium, zinc and iodine is also beneficial for thyroid health.

Treatment of thyroid diseases is individualised depending on the patient’s general health status, type of disease and level of progression. Early diagnosis and regular medical check-ups are critical for the management of thyroid diseases.