What is it about ?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple.
It produces thyroid hormones (T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine)). These hormones play an important role at all stages of life. They allow :
- normal growth and development,
- the regulation of many processes, including metabolism (they stimulate the metabolism),
- and that the pregnancy is proceeding normally.
The thyroid can experience several types of problems:
- abnormal operation:
- it makes too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism). It slows down your metabolism,
- it makes too many thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). It boosts your metabolism,
- a abnormal shape (too big and / or formation of nodules),
- sometimes both types of problems at the same time.
What is its frequency?
- A lazy thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a problem that affects between 120 and 170 out of 100,000 people each year.
- A overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) occurs in only 30 to 50 in 100,000 people each year.
How to recognize them?
Thyroid disorders often cause general symptoms with changes in the regulation of body temperature, heart rate, bowel function, body weight and strength.
In case of’hypothyroidism we usually feel tired, get cold quickly and gain weight.
In case of’hyperthyroidism we feel rather agitated, we get hot faster and we lose weight.
Complaints can also be related to the thyroid itself, such as a feeling of pressure or enlarging thyroid.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor will ask you questions to explore the symptoms and perform a clinical examination of the thyroid, among other things. He will possibly have a blood test to determine first thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), a hormone that allows him to recognize and distinguish a thyroid problem. If necessary, the thyroid hormones themselves (T4 and T3) and anti-thyroid antibodies will also be determined.
The main imaging test of the thyroid isultrasound. When the doctor notices, for example, a nodule suspect, he can take a biopsy using a thin needle to analyze the cells under a microscope.
If necessary, a hormone specialist (endocrinologist) may decide to perform a thyroid CT scan, injecting a small amount of radioactive substance into the body to visualize the precise functioning of the thyroid.
What can you do ?
If you recognize any symptoms, such as an unexplainable change in your weight or energy level, you should discuss this with your doctor.
What can your doctor do?
Most of the time, the general practitioner can treat a hypothyroidism itself by administering thyroid hormones. The dose of the drug is adjusted according to the blood values. Regular checks are therefore carried out.
In case of’hyperthyroidism, the general practitioner normally refers to an endocrinologist. Treatment ofhyperthyroidism consists of drugs, radioactive iodine, or an operation.
Want to know more?
- Hypothyroidism: when the thyroid falls asleep – mongeneraliste.be – SSMG – Scientific Society of General Medicine
- Hyperthyroidism: when the thyroid is racing – mongeneraliste.be – SSMG – Scientific Society of General Medicine
- Iodized salt: recommended – mongeneraliste.be – SSMG – Scientific Society of General Medicine
- Ultrasound here Where to find on this page of Cliniques St Luc UCL
- The thyroid puncture, here, Where to find on this page of Cliniques St Luc UCL
- Surgical treatment of the thyroid (thyroid image) – Hôpital Erasme ULB
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