Thyroid is an endocrine gland in our body. It is found in the neck below the thyroid cartilage which is also known as the Adam's Apple in men. Its main functions in the human body are:-
a. How quickly energy should be burnt in the body
b. Making Proteins in the body
c. How sensitive our body should be to other hormones.


All the above functions are carried out by the production of thyroid hormones. They are principally:-
a. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
b. Triiodothyronine (T3)
c. Thyroxine (T4)


These hormones regulate the rate of metabolism in our body and affect the growth and functioning of other body systems. Iodine is an essential component for both T3 and T4. This is one of the reason why salt is so important for our body.

The main problems of the thyroid glands are Hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid gland) and hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid gland).

I suffer from Hypothyroidism since childhood. Basically this was hereditary. My mom developed this problem while she was carrying me and it was transferred to me. She was normal when my elder brother was born. But after I was born she became significantly over-weight. The reason was thyroid problem and it got passed on to me. Hypothyroidism has many symptoms. The only symptoms that is present in me is overweight, arthritis and muscle cramps and joint pains. Too much for a young person :)

I will discuss Hypo and Hyper thyroidism in details in the next assignments.

GENERAL DISEASES

The diseases that are related to thyroid glands are:

1. Hypo and Hyper Thyroidism (around 2% of the population is affected).
2. Anatomical Problems
    - Goitre (Swelling of Thyroid glands due to lack of iodine)
    - Lingual Thyroid
    - Thyroglossal Duct Cysts
3. Tumors
    - Thyroid Cancer
    - Thyroid Adenoma
    - Lymphomas and Metastatis (very rare)
4. Deficiencies
    - Cretinism

DIAGNOSIS

The thyroid diseases can be diagnosed using Blood Tests (testing the hormones), Ultrasound , radioiodine scanning and a Biopsy.

TREATMENT

The various diseases can be treated using Medicines, Surgery and Radioiodine Therapy.

More details in the future assignments.

SOME LINKS

http://www.thyroid.org
http://www.thyroidmanager.org

Set exclusively designed by GK Ann for The Garden of Friendship
All ideas, concepts, and content including text, content and graphics 
are owned by The Garden of Friendship and its members unless otherwise noted
and should not be taken or duplicated without express written consent
Copyright © 2000 and Beyond. 
This is not linkware