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Published on: Jul 29, 2021
3 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

Your Easy Guide To Thyroid Health: Signs, Tests, And What To Do

Thyroid problems are quite common but can be confusing. They can affect how you feel overall. This easy-to-follow guide is here to help you understand thyroid issues better. We'll talk about the signs, tests, and how to treat them. By making things simple and easy to understand, we want to give you the knowledge to take control of your thyroid health.

Checking Your Thyroid:

When doctors want to know about your thyroid, they do a special health check called a blood test. This test helps them see if your thyroid hormones, called T3 and T4, are normal. They also check another thing called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). If your TSH levels are high, it might mean that your T3 and T4 are not being made enough.

Sometimes, doctors only need to look at TSH levels to understand what's going on with your thyroid. But if there's something unusual with T3 or T4, they might need to check those too.

This blood test is like a detective tool. It not only finds out if your thyroid is working right but also helps doctors rule out other health problems. If your thyroid isn't making enough T3 or T4, it's called an "underactive" thyroid. If it's making too much, it's called an "overactive" thyroid.

Starting Treatment:

When a thyroid problem is found, the next important thing is figuring out how to make it better. The type of treatment and when to start it depend on how bad the problem is and what symptoms are happening.

If someone has hypothyroidism for less than a year, the usual treatment is taking man-made hormones to replace the ones the body is not making enough of. But if the condition has been there for a long time, a person might need both man-made hormones and a special surgery on the thyroid gland to fix the real issue. If the thyroid gland is taken out, the main treatment is using man-made hormones to replace the missing ones.

Thyroid Imbalance Signs:

It's important to know the signs of thyroid imbalance to catch any issues early on. These signs can be different for everyone, so being aware and having regular check-ups is really important.

1. Feeling Cold Easily:

One common sign of thyroid imbalance is feeling extra sensitive to the cold. Even on warm days, you might feel chilly. This could be a sign that your T3 and T4 levels are low.

2. Always Tired:

If you're always tired, feel drained, and lack energy, it could be a sign of thyroid imbalance. This often happens when your T3 and T4 levels are not where they should be.

3. Changes in Emotions:

Thyroid issues can affect how you feel emotionally. You might become more irritable, moody, or even feel a bit down. These changes are connected to imbalances in T3 and T4.

4. Headaches:

While stress is a common cause of headaches, having low T3 and T4 levels in hypothyroidism can also contribute. It's important to understand this link for a correct diagnosis.

Remember, if you notice any of these signs, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor. They can help figure out what's going on and guide you on the best steps to take for your health. Regular check-ups can catch potential thyroid issues early, ensuring you stay in good health.

Early Diagnosis for Optimal Management:

Finding out about thyroid problems early is super important because these issues usually don't get better on their own. But figuring out if something's wrong can be tricky because the symptoms are different for each person and can be kind of sneaky. For example, hypothyroidism can make you gain weight, but it might not be obvious if you start out thin and slowly put on weight. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism has more noticeable signs like losing weight, eyes that stick out, and having a hoarse voice. So, catching these problems early helps manage them better.

Treating Thyroid Problems:

When it comes to fixing issues with your thyroid, the plan is made just for you. You might get thyroid pills, and how much you take depends on things like your age, if you're a boy or a girl, and how healthy you are.

For people with hypothyroidism (when your thyroid is not active enough), they use fake hormones called T3 and T4 to replace the ones your body is missing. You can take these hormones as medicine, or sometimes the doctor takes them from your thyroid using a small procedure, like when you're sleeping.

If your thyroid is too active, which is called hyperthyroidism, they use fake hormones to slow it down. This helps your thyroid work normally and keeps you healthy.

Understanding thyroid problems is really important. It helps us know about the signs, how doctors figure it out, and what can be done to treat it. If you think you might have a thyroid issue, it's super important to see a doctor quickly. Also, keeping an eye on your health with regular check-ups is a great way to make sure your thyroid stays in good shape, keeping you healthy no matter your age or background.

Read FAQs

A. The best test to check for thyroid problems is a blood test. It helps doctors see if your thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) are normal. They might also check thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This test is like a detective tool to understand how your thyroid is working.

A. The 3 main thyroid tests are: - T3 and T4 levels: These are your thyroid hormones. - TSH level: This shows if your thyroid is making enough hormones. These tests help doctors figure out if your thyroid is healthy.

A. You can't check your thyroid at home, but you can maintain thyroid health naturally by eating well and staying active. Include iodine-rich foods, like seafood, and foods with selenium, like nuts. Regular exercise and a balanced diet help keep your thyroid in good shape. If you notice any symptoms, it's best to see a doctor for a proper check-up.

Read Blog

Migraine Headache Causes: Why Migraines Occur and What Triggers Them

Migraine is a complex neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Unlike ordinary headaches, migraines involve intense throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or sound. Understanding migraine headache causes is essential for effective prevention and management.

In India, migraines are increasingly reported among young adults and working professionals, largely due to lifestyle stressors and sleep disruption.

What Is a Migraine?

A migraine is a neurological condition characterised by recurrent headache attacks, usually affecting one side of the head.

Migraine attacks may include:

moderate to severe head pain
nausea or vomiting
light and sound sensitivity
visual disturbances (aura)

Migraines are not caused by structural brain damage but by functional brain changes.

Neurological Basis of Migraine

Migraine begins with abnormal brain activity.

Key mechanisms include:

altered nerve signalling
changes in brain chemicals such as serotonin
activation of pain pathways in the brain

Lancet research confirms migraine as a disorder of brain excitability rather than a vascular problem alone.

Genetic Predisposition

Genetics plays a significant role.

People with:

a family history of migraines
inherited neurological sensitivity

are more likely to develop migraines. ICMR data shows a strong familial pattern in migraine patients.

Common Migraine Headache Causes and Triggers

Stress and Emotional Factors

Stress is one of the most frequent migraine triggers.

Stress-related causes include:

work pressure
emotional strain
anxiety and poor coping mechanisms

Sudden stress relief can also trigger migraines.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations significantly affect migraines, especially in women.

Triggers include:

menstrual cycle changes
pregnancy
menopause
hormonal medications

Estrogen fluctuations are closely linked to migraine frequency.

Sleep Disturbances

Irregular sleep patterns trigger migraines.

This includes:

lack of sleep
oversleeping
disrupted sleep schedules

WHO recognises sleep regulation as a key factor in migraine prevention.

Dietary Triggers

Certain foods and eating habits can trigger migraines.

Common dietary triggers include:

skipping meals
dehydration
excess caffeine
processed foods

Triggers vary from person to person.

Sensory Stimuli

Strong sensory input can provoke migraines.

Examples include:

bright or flickering lights
loud noises
strong smells

Sensitivity reflects altered brain processing.

Weather and Environmental Changes

Environmental factors also play a role.

Triggers include:

changes in temperature
high humidity
barometric pressure changes

Weather sensitivity is common among migraine sufferers.

Physical Factors

Physical strain can trigger migraines.

This includes:

poor posture
prolonged screen exposure
eye strain

Neck and shoulder tension often contribute.

Migraine Aura and Brain Activity

Some migraines are preceded by aura.

Aura symptoms include:

flashing lights
zigzag lines
blind spots
tingling sensations

Aura reflects temporary changes in brain electrical activity.

Risk Factors for Migraines

Higher risk is seen in:

women
individuals with family history
people with anxiety or depression
those with irregular lifestyles

NFHS-5 data shows higher migraine prevalence among working-age adults.

Migraine Triggers vs Causes

It is important to differentiate:

causes: underlying neurological susceptibility
triggers: factors that initiate attacks

Identifying personal triggers is crucial for prevention.

Role of Lifestyle in Migraine Prevention

Lifestyle modifications can reduce attack frequency.

Helpful measures include:

regular sleep schedule
stress management
balanced meals
adequate hydration
physical activity

Consistency is key.

When Migraines Become Chronic

Migraines are considered chronic when:

headaches occur on 15 or more days per month

Chronic migraines require medical management and trigger control.

Importance of Medical Evaluation

Medical assessment helps:

rule out secondary causes
confirm migraine diagnosis
tailor treatment plans

Early evaluation prevents overuse of painkillers.

Preventive Treatment Approaches

Preventive strategies may include:

lifestyle modification
preventive medications
trigger identification
stress management techniques

NITI Aayog promotes early neurological evaluation for chronic headaches.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Urgent medical attention is required if headaches are:

sudden and severe
associated with weakness or speech difficulty
accompanied by fever or confusion

These may indicate serious conditions.

Conclusion

Migraine headache causes involve a complex interaction of neurological sensitivity, genetics and external triggers. Stress, hormonal changes, sleep disturbances, diet and sensory factors all play significant roles in triggering attacks. While migraines cannot always be cured, understanding individual triggers and adopting preventive strategies can significantly reduce their frequency and severity. Early medical evaluation and lifestyle management empower individuals to regain control over migraine-related disability and improve quality of life.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Headache and Neurological Disorder Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Migraine and Headache Disorders Fact Sheets
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Neurological and Lifestyle Health Data
Lancet – Migraine Pathophysiology and Treatment Research
NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Disease and Neurology Reports
Statista – Global Migraine Prevalence and Risk Factors

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