The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located just under the skin at the front of the neck. The thyroid gland absorbs the iodine that you ingest with your food. The iodine that is absorbed mixes with an amino acid called tyrosine inside of the thyroid gland. Eighty percent of this mixture is converted into the hormone thyroxine, also called T3. Twenty percent of the iodine and tyrosine mixture is converted into a hormone called triiodothyronine, or T4. These hormones regulate the metabolism of every cell of the human body. If the delicate balance of thyroid levels is disrupted, a myriad of dangerous symptoms will arise.
Hypothyroidism
T3 and T4 levels are measured by a blood test. The normal levels of thyroid hormones in the blood stream are 100 to 200 ng/dL or nanograms per deciliter. Low levels of T3 or T4 indicate a condition called hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, increased appetite and fatigue. Hypothyroidism can be caused by long term illness or starvation. Bulimic and anorexic people are likely to experience hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can also be caused by radiation therapy. Treatment with a medication called levothyroxine sodium works well in the right doses, and once the underlying cause has been identified. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can rarely cause myxedema coma, which is life threatening.
Hyperthyroidism
T4 cells are converted to T3 cells in the thyroid. High levels of the T3 hormone indicate that the T4 levels are not being converted rapidly enough. If you are taking synthetic T3, you are probably taking too much, and your doctor will change your dosage. Elevated T3 levels may also be an indication of hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of high T3 levels include anxiety, heart palpitations, insomnia, and decreased appetite. Grave's Disease is a form of hypothyroidism that occurs when your immune system attacks your thyroid. Grave's disease is rarely life threatening but can cause weight loss even with a normal diet, and light or absent menstruation in women. Grave's disease can cause goiter, vision changes and abnormally widened eyes. Treatment can include anti-thyroid medication and in extreme cases, surgical removal of the thyroid gland. This surgery is followed by synthetic thyroid treatment.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, commonly called THS, is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland to signal the thyroid gland to produce more T3 or T4. THS levels are often given to confirm a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. If the THS levels are off, your doctor may test the functionality of your pituitary gland. Very rarely, the THS levels can be normal, while the T3 or T4 levels are off and cancer of the thyroid can be suspected. The doctor will have to rule out any malignancy. Normal THS levels range between 5 and 5.5 ng/dl.
If it is Cancer
If it is cancer of the thyroid gland, you will be given radioactive iodine treatments. First, your doctor will wean you off of any synthetic thyroid medication you are taking so that the radioactive iodine will be absorbed into the thyroid. This is usually done in the hospital on an out patient basis. If you are female, you will be given a pregnancy test before the treatment. Radioactive iodine will destroy all cancerous and non-cancerous cells, and render your thyroid inactive.
Living Without a Thyroid
If your thyroid is removed or destroyed, you will simply need to take thyroid medication for the rest of your life. You may occasionally experience breakthrough symptoms as your body chemistry changes. There are many support groups you can join to deal with your new lifestyle.
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