In Malaysia, thyroid diseases are a prevalent issue, lagi – lagi di kalangan women as they are more likely to have thyroid dysfunction than men. It is projected that 1 in 8 women may experience thyroid disease at some point in their lives. Namun, when you try to find out more about thyroid disorders from those around you, their responses will likely sound something like “umm, isn’t that a disease that makes your throat look a lot bigger?”
They aren’t altogether off track, but it’s not just that, lah. There are many more details that people should be aware of in order to understand this widespread hormonal disorder. And with that, we’re here to make everything regarding this disease absolutely clear for you. Prepare to read through to the end in order to comprehend more about thyroid illnesses, including their symptoms and potential treatments.
Pertama sekali, kita mesti lah kenali thyroid kita!
The thyroid is an organ located in the front of the neck, and wrapped around our windpipe. Since it’s a gland, it obviously produces hormones (chemical messenger) that regulate the body’s metabolism—just like every other gland in our body. The hormones that are produced by our thyroids are known as thyroid hormones.
Terdapat 2 jenis main hormones yang produced by our thyroid:
These 2 hormones instruct our body’s cells to use the right amount of energy, and basically regulate the metabolism at the right level.
Jadi, apa yang terjadi if these hormones are not produced at the right amount?
Hormonal imbalances!
Two possibilities — the thyroid gland either does not produce enough hormones (hypothyroidism) or produces too much (hyperthyroidism). Both conditions can be serious and, if left untreated, can lead to a number of health problems. Apart from these 2, thyroiditis and goitre are some of the more common conditions when it comes to thyroid diseases, as well.
Hmm, you might be thinking “ apa ni, tak faham lah hypo-hyper semua ni ”..
Jangan panic, let me elaborate more in detail about these conditions, ok.
As we said earlier, hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland does not produce enough T4 hormones, or also known—underactive thyroid. When this happens, a lot of our body’s functions slow down—from breathing rates to moods. This can lead to a number of symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, depression and muscle aches.
When it comes to gender risks, this condition is more common in women than men, and it typically begins to manifest itself in middle age. Hal ini mungkin sebab women are more likely to succumb to hormonal imbalances as a result of menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, etc (although this statement has never been proven).
The most common cause of this condition is Hashimoto’s disease (an autoimmune disorder that attacks our own thyroid). Selain itu, thyroid hormone levels in the body are considered to be affected by a number of radiation treatments and medications in a manner that lowers the hormones.
However, it is important to note that hypothyroidism is highly treatable with the right diagnosis and treatment plan.
Hyperthyroidism pula occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone T4, or also characterised by an overactive thyroid. This can lead to a number of symptoms such as anxiety, weight loss, palpitations and fatigue.
Hyperthyroidism often happens due to Graves’ disease, where the immune system damages our thyroid. Besides, medications such as amiodarone (heart medication) — could have an impact on the thyroid hormone levels.
Tahu tak kenapa amiodarone can increase the T4 levels?
Sebab excessive iodine can be found in it!
Hyperthyroidism results from the thyroid producing more thyroid hormones than is necessary when there is an excess of iodine, the mineral that is utilised to generate thyroid hormones, in the body. Sebab itulah.
If left untreated, this condition can even lead to serious health complications such as heart problems and osteoporosis.
Kalau still confused with these 2 thyroid diseases, a simple tip for you guys untuk ingat:
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are totally opposite of each other. Meaning that – they are acronyms for one another, from causes to symptoms.
Dan seterusnya…
Now we’ve already familiarised ourselves with the basics of thyroid diseases, jom kita ambil tahu tentang risk factors:
- Have a family history of thyroid illness – as it’s possible to be inherited, tapi tak semestinya lah
- Having a family history of autoimmune disease – since it could affect the own thyroid functions
- Being older than 60 years
- Being a women
- Having hormonal changes (menopause, puberty, menstruation, etc)
- High iodine consumptions
- Radiation exposure (in the neck)
There are many other possible risk factors, but for now try to remember this dulu, ok?
So, apa you patut buat kalau you possess higher risks?
If you suspect that you may have thyroid problems, it is important to see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Cara Doctor Diagnose/Screen Thyroid Diseases
It has been mentioned that diagnosing thyroid problems boleh tahan susah sometimes, as it could mimic symptoms that are similar to pregnancy, or ageing. However, with recent medical advancements, reliable tests can be done to diagnose thyroid issues efficiently, and accurately.
These tests include:
Blood profiling is used to measure levels of hormones in the body, such as TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and T4 (thyroxine). High or low levels can be an indication of a thyroid disorder.
Physical tests involve checking the size of the thyroid gland, as well as feeling it for any nodules or abnormalities. The presence of goitres – a lump in the neck caused by an enlarged thyroid gland – can also indicate a problem. A little note – given that the thyroid gland can be impacted in any manner, it should be noted that goitre can develop in both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism conditions.
Thyroid imaging tests, such as ultrasound and CT scans can reveal if there is any enlargement or other abnormalities that can contribute to thyroid disease.
Tapi ingat, If a diagnosis is made after these tests, then further investigation may be necessary to determine the cause and best treatment plan. This could include referral to an endocrinologist for further evaluation and treatment.
Kalau macam tu, what are the potential therapies?
For hypothyroidism, one of the current treatment plans include:
Since hypothyroidism patients lack the hormones, they are left with no choice, but to take the replacement hormones. One of the examples of synthetic thyroid hormones is levothyroxine. BUT, before taking any sort of medications, please let your doctor know if you have any underlying diseases, such as diabetes or heart problems – since we do not want any form of drug reactions.
Untuk hyperthyroidism pula, where the hormone production is higher than needed – it can be slowed down or stopped with:
By stopping the thyroid gland from producing too many hormones, anti thyroid drugs gradually reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Methimazole and propylthiouracil are examples of anti-thyroid drugs. Usually, within a few weeks to months, symptoms start to get better. After 12 to 18 months of therapy, it has been claimed that it is possible to achieve long-term remission; nevertheless, some patients have also been linked to recurring thyroid problems.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy is taken orally, where it gets absorbed by the thyroid. Typically, this therapy slows thyroid function to the point where the thyroid gland becomes underactive.
Hmm, this is where it gets a little complicated – since the gland becomes underactive, you may start suffering from hypothyroidism. You may eventually need to take medication to replenish your thyroid hormones as a result.
Dan pesanan akhir dari kami…
Thyroid disease may not appear to be a serious condition at first, but you should always keep in mind that it can progress to more major health conditions that, if neglected, can be fatal.
While there is no definite cure for thyroid disorders, they can be effectively managed with medication and lifestyle changes. It’s important to remember that early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid problems can make a huge difference in managing symptoms and reducing long-term complications.
Jadi, if you have any concerns about your thyroid health, it’s essential to book an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. And also try to get your thyroid screening every now and then, ok. Don’t leave it till the last minute, as you normally do with your academic assignments! Please, lah.
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Disclaimer: Our content is strictly for educational and informational purposes only. Healthlah.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
