5 Common Thyroid Disorders and How They Are Treated

Deep within your neck lies a fascinating gland that holds the key to your well-being—the thyroid. Acting as a master regulator, it silently influences a multitude of bodily functions, ensuring everything runs smoothly. However, this delicate balance is sometimes disrupted by thyroid disorders that can impact your metabolism, energy levels, mood, and more.

In Singapore, it’s estimated that about 5 to 10% of the population may be suffering from a thyroid disorder of some kind. What’s more alarming is that thyroid cancer is now the eighth-most common type of cancer diagnosis among women, with most of the patients’ ages being below 60 according to the National Disease Registry.

Luckily, medicine has come a long way, with some treatments now available that can bring back harmony and balance to the body of someone with thyroid disorders. In this short guide, we’ll uncover some of the mysteries of the thyroid and shed light on how common disorders of this very important gland are treated.

Hyperthyroidism

Imagine your body as a high-speed train, hurtling through life with excessive energy. This is essentially what hyperthyroidism is. It’s a condition where the thyroid goes into overdrive, producing increased hormones that the body doesn’t need. Your heart races, seemingly having a mind of its own, and you find yourself sweating profusely, even in cooler environments. Unexplained weight loss becomes a frustrating reality, no matter how much you eat. Restlessness takes hold, making it difficult to find peace.

Hyperthyroidism can be caused by conditions like Graves' disease, which is also called toxic diffuse goitre. It’s an immune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid. The good news is that treatments are available to tame this overactive gland. Medications can help regulate thyroid function, allowing you to regain control over your body. In some cases, more specialised options like radioactive iodine therapy or thyroid surgery in Singapore can also help restore you back to your old self.

Hypothyroidism

Picture yourself navigating through life in slow motion. Your energy wanes, leaving you feeling constantly fatigued and lethargic. Despite your efforts, those extra pounds seem to cling stubbornly, and a cloud of sadness regularly hovers overhead. Welcome to the murky world of hypothyroidism, where the thyroid slows down, dampening your body's vital processes.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a well-known auto-immune disorder, is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism. This condition can be described as the immune system turning against the thyroid, attacking its cells. Fortunately, however, treatment exists to reignite your inner fire. A simple daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormone can work wonders, effectively restoring balance and rekindling your zest for life. With suitable treatment backed by medical research, you can reclaim your energy, shed those extra pounds, and embrace a renewed sense of well-being.

Thyroid Nodules and Tumours

Sometimes, the thyroid forms small growths called nodules. While most nodules are harmless, it's essential to evaluate and monitor them to ensure they don't cause any issues. This is because some nodules may produce excess thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism symptoms. In rare cases, a nodule may also indicate the presence of thyroid cancer. Swift medical attention and further investigation are crucial in such instances. If cancer is detected, you should know that modern treatments offer hope for a complete recovery. Surgical removal of the cancerous nodule, along with targeted therapies, can pave the way to restored health and a bright future.

Thyroid Disorders in Women

Thyroid disorders have a knack for affecting women, especially during critical stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations during transformational stages of a woman’s life such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and the postpartum period can throw the thyroid off balance. As a result, patients experience complications that affect their body and mind. Mood swings, fatigue, and weight changes become familiar companions.

It’s a good thing that healthcare providers in Singapore are aware of how to deal with these symptoms and can help you can overcome them. By closely monitoring your thyroid function and providing the necessary treatment, they ensure that you receive the support you need to deal with your condition

Thyroid Cancer

Depending on the type of cells present in cancerous tumours, thyroid cancer can manifest in various forms. Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer that often affects people between the ages of 30 to 50 years old. Fortunately, most papillary cancers are treatable and small, but a fraction of cases might develop into a more aggressive form that spreads quickly.

Swift diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach become paramount when confronting this challenge. With advancements in medical science, Singapore healthcare workers can offer treatments such as surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, and targeted therapies. In some cases, hormone therapy can also be utilised to combat this disease. Although the word “cancer” can immediately strike fear in most people, it's important to remember that there is hope in the face of this formidable disease.

Learning about the thyroid and the disorders that can affect it can give a newfound understanding of its immense influence on one’s well-being. From regulating our metabolism to shaping our energy levels, mood, and countless other vital functions, the thyroid gland is a remarkable conductor, orchestrating a symphony within the body. However, when discord strikes in the form of thyroid disorders, medical interventions come to the rescue, offering hope and restoration. By unraveling the secrets of the thyroid, everyone is empowered to seek the necessary care, ensuring that the harmony within the body remains unbroken.

30 Jun 2023
SG Expats