The thyroid gland: the “butterfly” that controls the entire body

• Thyroid hormones and their effect on the body
• Why the thyroid gland fails? The most common causes
• 12 main symptoms of thyroid diseases that cannot be ignored

1. External changes in the neck and goiter
2. Sudden weight changes without obvious reasons
3. Mood swings, depression, anxiety
4. Sensations in the neck: lump, pressure, pain
5. Hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin
6. Menstrual cycle disorders and reproductive health
7. Body temperature lability — constantly feeling cold or hot
8. Dryness of skin and mucous membranes, constipation or diarrhea
9. Heart rhythm disorders — tachycardia, interruptions
10. Drowsiness, weakness, edema, “fog in the head”

• How to properly examine the thyroid gland at “Ala Atlantis”
• Modern methods of treating thyroid diseases
• Can the thyroid gland be completely cured? Prognoses and prospects
• Prevention of thyroid diseases — what to do every day
• Frequently asked questions from patients about the thyroid gland
• Why you should contact “Ala Atlantis” in Dnipro

The thyroid gland really resembles a butterfly: two “wings” (lobes) wrap around the thyroid cartilage of the larynx and the trachea in the lower part of the neck. Despite its small size (on average 18–25 g in an adult), this organ performs one of the most important functions in the body — it regulates the speed of all metabolic processes.

Thyroid hormones and their effect on the body

Thyroid hormones (thyroxine T4, triiodothyronine T3, and calcitonin) affect literally every cell in the body:

• accelerate or slow down the basal metabolic rate
• determine how much energy the body produces
• regulate body temperature
• control the work of the heart, blood vessels, and nervous system
• influence bone growth and brain formation in children
• determine reproductive function and the menstrual cycle
• participate in the functioning of the immune system

When the production of even one of these hormones is disrupted, a chain reaction of failures begins in the body. Moreover, both conditions are dangerous:

• hyperthyroidism (excess of hormones) — “everything is on fire”, a person loses weight, the heart pounds, anxiety, tremor, and insomnia appear
• hypothyroidism (hormone deficiency) — “everything slows down”, chronic fatigue, edema, depression, weight gain, hair loss, and constipation appear

If the problem exists for a long time, the changes become irreversible: severe heart failure, osteoporosis, infertility, myxedematous coma (in hypothyroidism) or thyrotoxic crisis (in hyperthyroidism) develop.

Why does the thyroid gland fail? The most common causes

1. Autoimmune diseases (the most common cause in Ukraine)
   • Autoimmune thyroiditis Hashimoto → most often leads to hypothyroidism
   • Graves-Basedow disease → leads to thyrotoxicosis
2. Iodine deficiency (especially in regions with low iodine content in water and soil)
3. Excess iodine (intake of high doses of iodine-containing drugs, supplements, contrast agents)
4. Viral and bacterial infections (especially after ARVI, COVID-19, mononucleosis)
5. Stress and chronic fatigue (hypothalamic-pituitary axis → thyroid)
6. Taking medications
   • amiodarone, lithium, interferons, oncology immunotherapy, etc.
7. Radiation exposure (including after the Chernobyl accident)
8. Heredity (especially autoimmune forms)
9. Pregnancy and the postpartum period (postpartum thyroiditis)
10. Tumors (benign nodules, thyroid cancer)

12 main symptoms of thyroid diseases that cannot be ignored

1. Visible or palpable goiter — enlargement of the front of the neck, sensation of a lump, pressure, difficulty swallowing.
2. Sudden weight change
   • unexplained weight loss with normal/increased appetite → hyperthyroidism
   • weight gain with decreased appetite and low mobility → hypothyroidism
3. Constant fatigue and drowsiness even after 8–9 hours of sleep.
4. Severe chilliness or, conversely, constant heat and sweating.
5. Hair loss (especially on the sides and eyebrows — the outer third), brittle nails.
6. Dry, rough, flaky skin, especially on the elbows, knees, and heels.
7. Edema — on the face (especially around the eyes), on the legs, hands (“rings don’t fit”).
8. Menstrual cycle disorders in women: irregular, heavy/scanty periods, amenorrhea.
9. Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction in men, infertility in both sexes.
10. Tachycardia, heart interruptions, sensation of the “heart jumping out” (more often with hyperthyroidism).
11. Depression, anxiety, irritability, tearfulness, panic attacks without cause.
12. Constipation (more often with hypothyroidism) or diarrhea (with hyperthyroidism).

If you have 2 or more signs from the list — this is already a serious reason to undergo a thyroid examination.

How to properly examine the thyroid gland at “Ala Atlantis”

We perform a full diagnostic complex in 1–2 visits:

1. Endocrinologist consultation — history taking, examination, palpation of the thyroid gland.
2. Thyroid ultrasound + dopplerography — size, structure, nodules, blood flow.
3. Hormonal profile (taken in the morning on an empty stomach):
   • TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) — the main marker
   • free T4
   • free T3
   • antibodies to TPO and TG (if autoimmune process is suspected)
   • antibodies to TSH receptors (if Graves’ disease is suspected)
4. Complete blood count + biochemistry (cholesterol, glucose, creatinine, etc.)
5. If indicated — scintigraphy, fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of nodules, MRI/CT of the neck.

Modern methods of treating thyroid diseases

Hypothyroidism (reduced function)

• Replacement therapy with levothyroxine (L-thyroxine, Euthyrox, Bagothyrox)
• Precise individual dosage + TSH control every 6–8 weeks until normalization
• Lifelong intake in most cases, but the dose may decrease with recovery

Hyperthyroidism / thyrotoxicosis

• Antithyroid drugs (thiamazole, propylthiouracil)
• Beta-blockers to relieve tachycardia and tremor
• For Graves’ disease — preparation for radioiodine therapy or surgery (as indicated)

Nodular goiter, multinodular goiter

• Dynamic observation for benign nodules
• Fine-needle biopsy of nodules >1 cm
• Radioiodine therapy or surgical treatment for large nodules / compression

Autoimmune thyroiditis

• TSH control and replacement therapy when hypothyroidism develops
• Anti-inflammatory therapy during exacerbation (rarely)

Thyroid cancer

• Fine-needle biopsy + surgical treatment (thyroidectomy)
• Radioiodine therapy after surgery
• Dynamic observation and suppressive therapy with L-thyroxine

Can the thyroid gland be completely cured? Prognoses and prospects

• Hypothyroidism after Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or gland removal → lifelong replacement therapy (but with the correct dose, a person feels completely healthy).
• Graves’ disease → in 30–50% of cases, stable remission occurs after a course of thyrostatics (1–2 years).
• Benign nodules → often can be observed or minimally invasive treatment can be performed.
• Cancer at an early stage → cured in 95–98% of cases.

The main thing is not to let the process go. Modern endocrinology allows living a full life even with a removed thyroid gland.

Prevention of thyroid diseases — simple rules every day

1. Use iodized salt (except in cases of hyperthyroidism and nodular goiter).
2. Include sea fish, seafood, and seaweed in your diet (1–2 times a week).
3. Avoid high doses of iodine without a doctor’s prescription (supplements, “Antistrumin”, “Iodomarin 200” — only as prescribed).
4. Do not smoke — tobacco suppresses thyroid function.
5. Undergo thyroid ultrasound + TSH once a year after 35–40 years.
6. Control stress levels — chronic stress disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis.
7. When planning pregnancy, take TSH + antibodies to TPO in advance.

Frequently asked questions from patients about the thyroid gland

Can I lose weight with hypothyroidism?

Yes, with the correctly selected dose of levothyroxine, metabolism normalizes and weight goes away.

Can I get pregnant with hypothyroidism?

Yes, but TSH should be within 0.4–2.5 mIU/L at the planning stage and during pregnancy.

I have an 8 mm nodule — is it dangerous?

In most cases — no. But a fine-needle biopsy is mandatory if the nodule is >1 cm or there are suspicious signs on ultrasound.

I take L-thyroxine — is it forever?

In most cases yes, but the dose may decrease over time.

Can Hashimoto’s thyroiditis be cured?

It is impossible to completely stop the autoimmune process, but stable euthyroidism can be achieved and one can live a full life.

Why you should contact “Ala Atlantis” in Dnipro

• Experienced endocrinologists with extensive experience
• All examinations in one place in 1–2 days
• Modern laboratory and expert-class ultrasound
• Individual selection of therapy
• Affordable prices and promotions
• Comfortable conditions and friendly staff
• Possibility of online consultation

If you have noticed at least 2–3 symptoms from the list above — do not delay. Call 0 800 330 970 or book online right now.

Your health is in your hands. We will help you preserve it for many years!