Thyroid disease is a common disease in the society. It can be seen in both women and men, but the incidence in women is much higher than in men.
Thyroid Hormones and Their Properties
Thyroid disease, as it is known, means a functional disorder of the thyroid gland, and numerical abnormalities can be observed in the t3 and t4 hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is stimulated by the pituitary gland located in the middle of the brain. The pituitary gland is the body’s hormone chief. TSH hormone secreted from the pituitary gland is the hormone that most affects the function of the thyroid gland. Its deficiency or excess affects the function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is either overworked or underactive. We can already see the symptoms according to this working situation. The regulation of TSH hormone is provided by the TRH hormone released from the brain region called the hypothalamus. Deficiency or excess of this hormone affects the function of the thyroid gland.
Thyroid Function Disorders
According to the blood levels of the hormones secreted from the thyroid gland, conditions such as hypothyroidism (underactive gland) and hyperthyroidism (overworking of the gland) are observed.
Hypothyroidism is more common in Turkish society than hyperthyroidism and is a common health problem. Considering the symptoms, conditions such as weight gain, hair loss, slowing of metabolism, increased fat in the liver, diastolic hypertension can be seen. In severe hypothyroidism cases, sometimes called myxedema coma, excessive decrease in thyroid hormones and increased edema in the body can be seen. This situation carries a fatal risk and the person should be brought to the hospital as soon as possible. If hypothyroidism is a congenital problem, mental retardation may be seen in the child if the necessary treatment is not performed.
In case of hyperthyroidism (overworking of thyroid hormone), the symptoms seen are different. Conditions such as heart palpitations, weight loss, atrial fibrillation, outward protrusion of the eyeball may occur. These symptoms can be seen because thyroid hormones are hormones that increase basal metabolism.
Thyroid-related problems are not only related to hormone levels, but may also be caused by problems in the structure of the gland. Cysts in the thyroid gland, congenital non-development or maldevelopment of the thyroid gland, tumors in the thyroid gland, inflammation of the thyroid gland can also cause thyroid diseases.
Where should I apply?
A child or adult individual may first apply to internal medicine or pediatrics units. If necessary, these units refer the patient to the endocrinology department with sub-branches.
Weight Matter
Especially in patients with hyperthyroidism, that is, in cases where thyroid gland hormones are high, it is possible to see weight loss in people because the metabolic rate is high. In institutions where the endocrinologist cooperates with the dietitian, calorie calculations and foods to be eaten can be arranged for the person.
People should be followed up especially in a hospital with a dietitian. The person should follow the lists given by the dietitian and share the dietitian’s recommendations with the endocrinologist. In this way, the disease can be kept under control more easily and it can be more comfortable to monitor the weight of the person and to evaluate it in cooperation with the markers in the body. It will be beneficial for people to follow up with scientific methods in this way.
