Endocrinology and Diabetes

Thyroid Disorders: Diagnosis and Management

Thyroid disorders encompass a range of conditions that affect the thyroid gland, a small but critical endocrine organ responsible for regulating metabolism, energy production, and hormonal balance. The most common thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. These conditions can arise from autoimmune diseases, iodine deficiency, genetic predisposition, or environmental factors and may significantly impact an individual’s physical and mental health. Diagnosis of thyroid disorders relies on a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and imaging techniques. Blood tests measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4, and free T3 levels are the cornerstone for identifying dysfunction. For autoimmune-related thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease, the presence of thyroid-specific antibodies (e.g., TPOAb or TRAb) provides additional diagnostic clarity. Imaging modalities like ultrasound, radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) scans, or fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies are employed to assess structural abnormalities, detect nodules, and evaluate malignancy risk. Hypothyroidism is typically treated with levothyroxine, a synthetic form of T4 that normalizes TSH levels and alleviates symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Hyperthyroidism requires approaches to reduce thyroid hormone production or release, including antithyroid medications (e.g., methimazole, propylthiouracil), radioactive iodine therapy, or surgical interventions in severe cases.