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October 5, 2009
Thyroid is an endocrine gland located on the midline in the neck. It is a colloid filled gland that is responsible for the normal routine metabolisms taking place at the cellular level. Thyroid gland secretes thyroxin which is the principle hormone necessary for growth and metabolism. Iodine is a major component involved in the secretion of thyroxin. This hormone is responsible for the development of the nervous system in the first 2 years of life. It also influences growth to some extent. Disorders of the thyroid are one of the most common diseases worldwide. It is more prevalent in women of age 35 to 40 years! Both decreased and increased secretion of thyroxin leads to various disorders. Decreased thyroxin in children manifests as Cretinism. The child has a short stature, subnormal body temperature, mental retardation, pot belly and protruded tongue! The disease is suspected when the milestones appear later than normal. In adults, a low thyroxin level causes Myxoedema. The features are puffy face, coarse hair, low BMR, lethargy and slow pulse. Increased levels of thyroxin leads to Grave’s disease manifested as increased BMR, protruding eyes, hyper excitability and sexual dysfunction! Anti-thyroid drugs like Propylthoiuracil can treat Grave’s disease while low thyroxin levels can be compensated by external supply of thyroxin. People can benefit enormously if diagnosed and treated early!
Oct
5
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