Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Enlarged Thyroid
Question: My doctor told me that I have an enlarge thyrold. I don't know that that means and will be taken a blood test next week..
Brief Answer:
detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
An enlarged thyroid gland is a physical description for a thyroid gland that has a size over the normal range.The thyroid gland increases in size when it has a pathology that increases it volume like the formation of nodules in the gland,inflammation ,jodine deficiency in diet ,autoimmune disease (Graves' disease,Hashimoto's disease).
The important thing to know is if the cause of this enlargement also has affected the function of the gland.So thyroid enlargement might be associated with :
-normal production of thyroid hormones
-over production (hyperthyroidism )
-under production (hypothyroidism)
To know this your doctor has ordered blood tests to evaluate the function or thyroid gland.
You should test fT3,fT4 and TSH.
If fT3 ,fT4 are low and TSH is high you have hypothyroidism
If fT3,fT4 are high and TSH is low,you have hyperthyroidism,
In these cases further investigations are needed to determine the cause.
You may need to run an thyroid ultrasound to evaluate the structure of your thyroid and provide information for the correct diagnosis.
Usually the most common cause for enlarged thyroid is hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto disease.This is an autoimmune disease,and happen when the body produce antibodies against thyroid cells.After the diagnosis is confirmed ,the treatment is to take supplements of thyroid hormones .
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.
Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
An enlarged thyroid gland is a physical description for a thyroid gland that has a size over the normal range.The thyroid gland increases in size when it has a pathology that increases it volume like the formation of nodules in the gland,inflammation ,jodine deficiency in diet ,autoimmune disease (Graves' disease,Hashimoto's disease).
The important thing to know is if the cause of this enlargement also has affected the function of the gland.So thyroid enlargement might be associated with :
-normal production of thyroid hormones
-over production (hyperthyroidism )
-under production (hypothyroidism)
To know this your doctor has ordered blood tests to evaluate the function or thyroid gland.
You should test fT3,fT4 and TSH.
If fT3 ,fT4 are low and TSH is high you have hypothyroidism
If fT3,fT4 are high and TSH is low,you have hyperthyroidism,
In these cases further investigations are needed to determine the cause.
You may need to run an thyroid ultrasound to evaluate the structure of your thyroid and provide information for the correct diagnosis.
Usually the most common cause for enlarged thyroid is hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto disease.This is an autoimmune disease,and happen when the body produce antibodies against thyroid cells.After the diagnosis is confirmed ,the treatment is to take supplements of thyroid hormones .
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.
Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
