Thyroid Management

A thyroid is a tiny, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck. It plays an important role in regulating the metabolism and overall well-being of an individual. It supports crucial functions involving all cells in the body, producing vital hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

When the thyroid produces excessive or inadequate amounts of these hormones, it can lead to thyroid disease in anyone at any age. Thyroid function imbalances may impact metabolism, energy, and general health.

Take control of your health with professional care from the diabetologist/endocrinologist at Marengo Asia Hospitals. Our specialists provide you with tailored treatment plans, lifestyle counseling, and compassionate support to reform hormonal balance and improve your well-being.

Types of Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. Its dysfunction in the body can give rise to some serious health issues. Some of the common thyroid disorders include the following:

• Goitre: It occurs due to the increase in size of the thyroid gland.
• Graves’ Disease: An autoimmune disease that over stimulates the thyroid gland and causes hyperthyroidism.
• Primary Hypothyroidism: It is due to an underactive thyroid gland producing less hormone, thus TSH levels are high.
• Autoimmune Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland due to auto-antibodies like anti-TPO antibody, thus raising TSH levels.
• Central Hypothyroidism: This is an underactive thyroid gland due to deficiency of a hormone at the level of brain (pituitary gland)
• Thyroid Inflammation (Thyroiditis): Thyroiditis often gets activated by autoimmune or viral causes.

What Are The Various Tests Performed By Diabetologists/Endocrinologists To Diagnose And Treat Thyroid Conditions?

In diagnosing and treating thyroid conditions, healthcare providers conduct a number of tests that help to assess the functioning of the thyroid gland, detect abnormalities, and define treatment.
It usually begins with a review of symptoms and the medical history, and conducting a physical examination. During this examination, the provider might lightly palpate the thyroid gland for an enlargement, swelling, or nodules.
The tests below are commonly conducted in order to confirm a diagnosis:

Blood Tests:

• Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test: This test gauges the level of TSH, which is responsible for signaling the thyroid to release T3 and T4 hormones. Abnormal TSH levels can signify either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
• T3 (Triiodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine) Tests: Tests the levels of the actual thyroid hormones in the blood. Elevated T3/T4 levels suggest hyperthyroidism, whereas low values indicate hypothyroidism.
• Thyroid Antibody Tests: Thyroid antibody tests evaluate the existence of antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. It is primarily used in evaluating autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease.

• Imaging Tests:

• Thyroid Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to produce images of your thyroid gland. This permits the healthcare provider to identify nodules, cysts, or structural abnormality as well as identify whether any nodules are solid or fluid-filled.
• Radioactive Iodine Uptake (RAIU) Test:  It measures the amount of iodine the thyroid actually absorbs from the blood. It is often used in diagnosing hyperthyroidism together with its underlying cause, typically Graves' disease or toxic nodules.
• Thyroid Scan: This is a nuclear medicine imaging test, and it reveals the shape, size, and position of the thyroid. It also highlights hot or cold nodules that might reveal areas of increased or decreased thyroid activity.

Comprehensive Thyroid Management at Marengo Asia Hospitals

1. Treatment for Hyperthyroidism

If the thyroid gland produces excessive hormones, the treatment that is offered generally includes:

• Antithyroid Medications: These are methimazole and propylthiouracil. They inhibit the production of excessive hormones in the thyroid gland. Antithyroid medications are generally used as first-line treatments and are usually patient-specific.
• Radioiodine (Radioactive Iodine) Therapy: This form of treatment uses radioactive iodine to destroy thyroid cells with the aim of reducing the production of hormones. It is not invasive and is very efficient for long-term control of hyperthyroidism.
• Beta-Blockers: These medicines do not decrease the hormone's content levels but are useful in the management of some symptoms such as rapid heartbeats, anxiety, and tremors. Beta-blockers form symptomatic relief agents within the initial stages of their treatment.
• Surgery (Thyroidectomy): Complete or partial thyroidectomy may sometimes be necessary where the removal of the thyroid gland is concerned. Our specialist doctors refer the patient to our expert surgeons for thyroidectomy, if other treatments prove inefficient or when a large goiter or nodules start causing compressive symptoms.

2. Treatment for Hypothyroidism

We offer the following treatment when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones:

• Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy: Most cases of hypothyroidism are treated through hormonal replacement therapy. This therapy is conducted through synthetic levothyroxine medication that assists in the replenishment of the hormone to its normal level in a patient and is highly effective in providing relief for symptoms such as fatigue and intolerance to colds.

Dosage levels will differ depending on individuals according to a diagnosis of their thyroid function and health conditions.

3. Treatment for Other Thyroid Issues

• Thyroid Nodules and Goiter: Depending upon their size, nature, and risk for malignancy, treatment may range from observation and regular follow-up to FNAB (fine-needle aspiration biopsy) and surgery. In this case, our doctor would refer patients to our excellent surgeons if the nodule or goiter required surgery for removal.

4. Diet and Lifestyle Modifications for Thyroid Disorders

These changes and modifications can support overall thyroid health and enhance the efficacy of medical treatments. Key recommendations include:

• Balanced Diet: Patients are urged to consume a diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Specific nutrients like iodine, selenium, and zinc are indispensable for thyroid health; however, their consumption should not be overdone.
• Iodine Management: Even though iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, overconsumption can exacerbate some thyroid conditions. Our doctors give them individualized advice on how much iodine to consume, especially in patients who have hyperthyroidism or are sensitive to iodine.
• Stress Management: Stress is also a trigger for altering thyroid hormone production. The patient is advised on stress management by promoting mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation therapy to cope with thyroid.
• Exercise and Physical Activity: Exercise can be used to maintain metabolism and general health. Our doctors offer personalized exercise programs for every patient, taking into consideration their health status and level of energy.
• Avoiding Harmful Substances:  Patients are advised against harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and some environmental toxins that may interfere with the thyroid.
• Weight Management: Disorders of the thyroid, in particular hypothyroidism, can cause weight gain. Our diabetologists provide individualized weight management plans, which include diet modification and exercise advice, to help patients achieve healthy weight.