Don’t be anxious about your thyroid health! We’re here to provide you with a comprehensive guide to understanding, diagnosing, and managing thyroid disorders in Singapore.
Understanding Thyroid Health
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of your neck. It plays a crucial role in regulating your metabolism, which affects how your body uses energy. When your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough or too much thyroid hormone, it can lead to various health problems.
Common thyroid disorders include:
- Hypothyroidism: This occurs when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, and hair loss.
- Hyperthyroidism: This occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include weight loss, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, increased appetite, sweating, and difficulty sleeping.
- Thyroid Nodules: These are lumps or bumps that can form in the thyroid gland. While most thyroid nodules are benign, some can be cancerous.
Thyroid Tests in Singapore
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a thyroid disorder, your thyroid specialist may recommend undergoing thyroid tests. These tests can help diagnose conditions and monitor your treatment.
Common thyroid tests include:
- Thyroid Function Tests: These tests measure the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood, including T3, T4, and TSH.
- Thyroid Ultrasound: This imaging test uses sound waves to create pictures of your thyroid gland. It can help identify thyroid nodules, cysts, and other abnormalities.
- Thyroid Scans: These tests use radioactive iodine to help visualise your thyroid gland. They can be used to assess thyroid function and to detect thyroid cancer.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders
The symptoms of thyroid disorders can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition.
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue: Feeling tired and exhausted even with enough sleep.
- Weight Gain: Difficulty losing weight or gaining weight unexpectedly.
- Cold Intolerance: Feeling cold even in warm temperatures.
- Constipation: Having infrequent or difficult bowel movements.
- Dry Skin: Dry, flaky, or itchy skin.
- Hair Loss: Losing more hair than usual.
- Joint Pain: Aching joints and muscles.
- Muscle Weakness: Difficulty performing everyday tasks due to muscle weakness.
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Weight Loss: Losing weight without making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.
- Anxiety: Feeling anxious, irritable, or nervous.
- Rapid Heartbeat: Having a heart rate that is faster than normal.
- Increased Appetite: Eating more than usual and feeling hungry more frequently.
- Sweating: Sweating excessively, even in cool temperatures.
- Difficulty Sleeping: Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Changes in menstrual periods, such as heavier bleeding or irregular cycles.
Other potential symptoms of thyroid disorders include:
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Changes in voice quality
- Swelling in the neck
- Bulging eyes (In hyperthyroidism)
Diagnosis and Treatment of Thyroid Disorders
Diagnosing a thyroid disorder involves a combination of physical examination and laboratory thyroid test. Your thyroid specialist may also order imaging studies, such as a thyroid ultrasound or scan.
Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor will discuss your treatment options. Treatment for thyroid disorders may include:
- Medication: This is often the first line of treatment for both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. For hypothyroidism, medication is used to replace the missing thyroid hormone. For hyperthyroidism, medication can help slow down the thyroid gland’s production of thyroid hormone.
- Surgery: In some cases, your thyroid specialist may suggest getting a surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. This is often done for people with hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer.
- Radioactive Iodine Therapy: This treatment uses radioactive iodine to destroy thyroid tissue. It is often used for people with hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer.
Find your Trusted Thyroid Specialist in Singapore today
If you’re concerned about your thyroid health, it’s important to consult with a qualified thyroid specialist. Dr. Natascha Putra is a reliable surgeon in Singapore who is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate thyroid care to her patients.
With her expertise and experience, Dr. Natascha Putri can help you understand your thyroid condition, develop a personalised treatment plan, and manage your symptoms effectively.
Don’t let thyroid disorders hold you back. Take the first step towards better health by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Natascha Putri today.