Is Thyroid Curable? Know the Facts

In front of your neck is a butterfly-shaped gland known as the thyroid gland. The gland plays an important role in the body’s growth and metabolism, producing hormones that are directly responsible for bodily growth and development.

These days, with the decrease in the quality of lifestyle, there is a rise in thyroid-related disorders, which lead to hormonal imbalances and multiple disorders. A study shows that there are 42 million people in India who are experiencing thyroid problems across the country. 

Shocking, right?

But if you think about it, you must have heard many people say that either they or someone in their family is suffering from thyroid problems.

There are multiple reasons why one can have thyroid issues, and there are many different ways to manage the condition. However, if someone is diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, their first question is whether their condition is curable or not. 

But before understanding the cure and the treatments, let's first understand what thyroid conditions are and how to identify them.

What are thyroid diseases?

Multiple conditions can occur because of abnormalities in the production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid diseases have become very common these past years, and according to studies, there are almost 20 million Americans and 42 million Indians suffering from thyroid diseases. There is no one condition that one experiences because of the hormonal imbalance; here are all the thyroid diseases known that one can be suffering from:

• Hypothyroidism (when the release of thyroid hormone is low)
• Hashimoto’s disease is hypothyroidism caused by an autoimmune disorder.
• Hyperthyroidism (when your thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of its hormones).
• Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism that is caused by an autoimmune disorder).
• Thyroiditis (a condition in which there is inflammation in the thyroid gland).
• Thyroid nodules.
• Goiter (when there is abnormal enlargement in the thyroid gland).
• Thyroid cancer.

Suppose you have issues with your pituitary gland or the hypothalamus. In that case, it can also lead to abnormal thyroid hormone levels, as they play a role in controlling thyroid hormone levels. To take action towards treatment, you need to know the symptoms of thyroid diseases. Then, you will be able to get tested and know whether you have been suffering from any thyroid condition.

What are the symptoms of thyroid disease?

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have different symptoms, and knowing about them plays an important role in treating the condition. Understanding the symptoms helps you be aware and get tested, which helps diagnose or rule out the possibility of thyroid disease. 

If your body is producing abnormally low amounts of thyroid hormones, that means you are suffering from hypothyroidism, and these are the symptoms you can look out for:

• Heavy and frequent menstrual periods
• Coarse and dry hair
• Increased sensitivity to cold temperatures
• Hoarse voice
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Forgetfulness

Similarly, if your body is producing excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, that means you are suffering from hyperthyroidism, and you need to get yourself tested as soon as you can. Here are the symptoms you can look out for:

• Irritability, anxiety, and nervousness
• Insomnia or having trouble sleeping
• Weight loss
• Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland)
• Weakness and muscle tremors
• Irregularity in the menstrual cycle
• Being extra sensitive to heat
• Issues with vision and irritation in the eyes

Both of these disorders are quite serious, and if you are diagnosed with any of them, that means you need immediate medical attention.

How do you treat thyroid diseases?

When you consult your doctor, they use many methods to get your thyroid hormone levels back to normal. These treatment methods are decided based on the underlying reason for your thyroid condition.

If you are suffering from hypothyroidism, your doctor may suggest you get thyroid replacement medication, as it helps synthetically increase your thyroid hormone levels.

However, the treatment methods for those suffering from hyperthyroidism are:

Anti-thyroid Drugs: These anti-thyroid drugs are recommended by doctors as they help in reducing the excessive release of thyroid hormones, as they can interfere with other hormones.

Radioactive Iodine: In this radioactive iodine treatment, the cells of the thyroid gland are damaged, so the body cannot release excessive thyroid hormones.

Beta Blockers are medications that do not interfere with the release of the thyroid hormone; however, they help manage the symptoms of thyroid conditions.

Surgery: This is a permanent method of treatment where the doctors surgically remove the thyroid gland to stop the release permanently. However, if someone is going through surgery, they need to be prepared to take thyroid replacement hormones all their life.

Remember, whenever you think about going for medicines to treat thyroid disease, consult your doctor and get the medication prescribed. 

Is thyroid curable?

It is sad news that thyroid disorders are not curable, but that does not mean that you do not make efforts to manage them. Multiple ways will help you manage your thyroid hormone levels. These lifestyle changes include:

Stress Reduction: Chronic mental and physical stress can increase inflammation in your body and hamper the production of thyroid hormones.

Good Nutrition: Adding enough calcium, protein, iodine, and magnesium to your diet helps your thyroid work better. Also, getting plenty of vitamin A, B, and C-rich foods is advisable. 

Regular Exercise: Exercising regularly, even in mild workout routines, can reduce stress and improve the body's metabolism. This can improve your thyroid disorder and help you keep your weight in check. 

Limit Exposure to Blue Light: Blue light from your phone and laptop screens has adversely affected your thyroid hormone levels. Therefore, limit your exposure to reduce its impact. 

If you are diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, stick to the treatment plan religiously and make the required lifestyle changes to ensure the proper functioning of the gland.

The Bottom Line:

The thyroid is an important organ in the body, carrying out many essential functions. You may face thyroid diseases due to hormonal imbalances. That is why you must know how your thyroid works and get tested regularly. If there is any abnormality, you can consult your doctor. They can help you learn how to manage your thyroid levels and suggest personalized treatment methods. Sadly, thyroid conditions are not curable but can be handled by necessary changes in the lifestyle and going for essential treatments.

 Get tested at Redcliffe Labs!

Before anything, you must get yourself tested because a diagnosis is important to start any treatment; it helps the doctors understand the severity of the condition and treat it accordingly. If you are considering getting tested and looking for a lab to book your tests from, you can opt for Redcliffe Labs. You can book the thyroid function test package and learn about what is wrong with your thyroid hormones or if you suffer from thyroid disease. You can book your test on the Redcliffe Labs website or download the app and collect your blood sample at your doorstep. Our labs are NABL-accredited and trusted by more than 50,000+ Doctors.

So what are you waiting for? Book your test now!