14/05/2026
?
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple (larynx).
It produces hormones that control the body’s metabolism, energy, growth, temperature, heart rate, and many organ functions.
Main Thyroid Hormones:
1. T3 (Triiodothyronine)
2. T4 (Thyroxine)
These hormones are controlled by:
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) from the pituitary gland.
Functions of Thyroid Hormones:
>Controls body metabolism
>Maintains body temperature
>Helps brain development
>Regulates heart rate
>Affects weight, mood, sleep, digestion, and menstrual cycle
Common Thyroid Disorders:
1. Hypothyroidism (Low Thyroid Function)
The gland produces less hormone.
Symptoms:
Weight gain
Fatigue
Cold intolerance
Constipation
Dry skin
Hair fall
Depression
Slow pulse
Puffy face
Common Causes
Autoimmune disease (Hashimoto thyroiditis)
Iodine deficiency
Post-surgery/radiation
Certain medicines
Treatment
Levothyroxine
Regular TSH monitoring
2. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
The gland produces excess hormone.
Symptoms:
Weight loss
Palpitations
Anxiety/irritability
Tremors
Heat intolerance
Excess sweating
Increased appetite
Loose stool
Common Causes
Graves’ disease
Toxic multinodular goitre
Thyroiditis
Treatment
Carbimazole
Methimazole
Beta blockers
Radioiodine therapy
Surgery in selected cases
Goitre
Enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Causes:
Iodine deficiency
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Nodules
Important Thyroid Tests:
TSH (most important screening test)
Free T3
Free T4
Anti-TPO antibody
Thyroid ultrasound
FNAC if thyroid nodule present.
Normal TSH Range:
Usually around:
0.4 – 4.0 mIU/L
(lab ranges may vary)
Foods Helpful for Thyroid Health:
Good Sources
Iodized salt
Fish
Eggs
Milk
Nuts (especially Brazil nuts for selenium)
Avoid Excess
Excess soy
Excess iodine supplements without advice.
In Bengali (সংক্ষেপে):-
থাইরয়েড হলো গলার সামনে থাকা একটি হরমোন গ্রন্থি যা শরীরের metabolism, ওজন, শক্তি, হৃদস্পন্দন ও তাপমাত্রা নিয়ন্ত্রণ করে।
>থাইরয়েড কম কাজ করলে = Hypothyroidism.
>বেশি কাজ করলে = Hyperthyroidism.
