The number of people in Bangladesh with thyroid gland and thyroid hormone problems is growing. The thyroid gland usually has two kinds of problem: structural and functional. In a structural problem the gland swells, which is called goitre.

Functional problems are of two kinds, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. In hyperthyroidism the gland becomes overactive; in hypothyroidism it does not work properly. Cancer of the thyroid gland can also occur.

An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, has three main causes. When a newborn's thyroid gland does not form properly, it is called congenital hypothyroidism. In autoimmune hypothyroidism, antibodies become active against the thyroid and destroy its cells. The condition can also be caused by treatment, such as surgical removal of the thyroid or radiotherapy.

Antibodies can also overstimulate the thyroid and cause hyperthyroidism. If a drug dose is not set correctly and is too high, inflammation of the thyroid gland, or thyroiditis, can lead to hyperthyroidism. In an infection, thyroid cells suddenly release a large amount of hormone, raising the level of thyroid hormone in the blood. In areas where iodine is lacking, hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency is seen among the people.

Thyroid problems are diagnosed by testing hormones in the blood. Hypothyroidism is treated with medicine, and in most cases thyroxine hormone has to be taken for life to make up the shortfall.

Hyperthyroidism is also easily treated with medicine, although in some cases surgery or radioactive iodine therapy is considered.

Source: Prothom Alo. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.