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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.

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Yellow Eyes and Skin Symptoms: Causes, Warning Signs and When to Seek Care

Yellowing of the eyes and skin is one of the most noticeable physical changes a person can experience. Often referred to as jaundice, this symptom is not a disease by itself but a sign of underlying health conditions. Understanding yellow eyes and skin symptoms is essential because they frequently indicate problems involving the liver, blood or bile ducts and may require urgent medical attention.

In India, jaundice is a common presentation across age groups due to infections, liver disease and metabolic disorders.

What Does Yellowing of Eyes and Skin Mean?

The yellow colour appears due to excess bilirubin in the blood.

Bilirubin is:

a yellow pigment
produced from the breakdown of red blood cells
processed and removed by the liver

When bilirubin builds up, it deposits in tissues, causing yellow discoloration.

Why the Eyes Turn Yellow First

The sclera, or white part of the eyes, contains elastic tissue that binds bilirubin easily.

This makes yellowing:

more visible in eyes
detectable before skin changes

Yellow eyes are often the earliest sign of jaundice.

Common Causes of Yellow Eyes and Skin

Liver-Related Causes

The liver plays a central role in bilirubin metabolism.

Common liver causes include:

viral hepatitis (A, B, C, E)
fatty liver disease
alcoholic liver disease
liver cirrhosis
drug-induced liver injury

ICMR reports viral hepatitis as a major cause of jaundice in India.

Bile Duct Obstruction

Blocked bile flow prevents bilirubin excretion.

Causes include:

gallstones
bile duct strictures
pancreatic or bile duct tumours

This type of jaundice is often associated with itching and pale stools.

Blood Disorders

Excess breakdown of red blood cells increases bilirubin production.

Conditions include:

hemolytic anemia
malaria
inherited blood disorders

The liver may be overwhelmed despite being healthy.

Infections

Certain infections directly affect liver function.

Examples include:

hepatitis viruses
leptospirosis
severe sepsis

WHO data highlights hepatitis as a leading infectious cause of jaundice globally.

Newborn and Pregnancy-Related Causes

While common in newborns, jaundice in adults always needs evaluation.

Pregnancy-related liver disorders can also cause yellowing.

Associated Symptoms That Provide Clues

Yellow eyes and skin are often accompanied by:

dark yellow or tea-coloured urine
pale or clay-coloured stools
itching
fatigue
abdominal pain
loss of appetite

These symptoms help identify the underlying cause.

When Yellowing Becomes Dangerous

Seek urgent medical care if yellowing is accompanied by:

high fever
severe abdominal pain
confusion or drowsiness
vomiting
rapid worsening of colour

These signs suggest severe liver or systemic disease.

Jaundice and Liver Function

The liver normally:

conjugates bilirubin
excretes it into bile

When liver cells are damaged, bilirubin accumulates.

Lancet studies confirm jaundice as a key marker of liver dysfunction.

Diagnostic Evaluation

Doctors evaluate jaundice using:

blood tests for bilirubin levels
liver function tests
viral markers
ultrasound or CT scans
additional tests based on findings

Early testing identifies reversible causes.

Impact on Daily Life

Persistent jaundice can affect:

energy levels
digestion
mental clarity
work performance

Untreated liver disease can progress silently.

Treatment Depends on the Cause

There is no single treatment for jaundice.

Management focuses on:

treating infection
relieving bile obstruction
stopping harmful medications
managing chronic liver disease

Self-medication can worsen liver injury.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive measures include:

hepatitis vaccination
safe drinking water
limiting alcohol intake
regular health checkups

NITI Aayog emphasises liver health in preventive care strategies.

Lifestyle Factors That Affect Liver Health

Risk factors include:

excessive alcohol
obesity
high-fat diets
unsafe injections

Addressing these reduces jaundice risk.

Importance of Early Detection

Early diagnosis:

prevents complications
improves recovery
reduces hospitalisation

Delays increase the risk of liver failure.

Jaundice Is a Symptom, Not a Diagnosis

Understanding this distinction is crucial.

Treating the symptom alone:

does not resolve the disease
may mask serious conditions

Medical evaluation is essential.

Conclusion

Yellow eyes and skin symptoms are visible warning signs that should never be ignored. Most often linked to jaundice, they reflect underlying problems involving the liver, bile ducts or blood. Early medical evaluation, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to prevent serious complications. Recognising these symptoms and seeking care promptly can protect liver health and save lives.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Hepatitis and Liver Disease Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Jaundice and Hepatitis Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Liver and Metabolic Health Indicators
Lancet – Liver Function and Bilirubin Research
NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Diseases and Liver Health
Statista – Liver Disease and Hepatitis Trends

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