The thyroid is some of the essential glands within the body. It’s situated at the bottom of the neck and is answerable for regulating many facets of our metabolism. It’s, subsequently, an interesting query to ask whether it’s possible to live with no thyroid.
This gland performs its function by producing thyroid hormoneswhich act on almost every tissue within the body. For instance, these hormones can increase heart rate, sweating, and even the utilization of nutrients.
Diseases of the thyroid gland are quite common. Everyone has heard of disorders akin to hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, and even thyroid cancer. Nonetheless, few people know the truth of those pathologies or how they’re treated.
In lots of cases, it’s essential to remove the organ, through an operation called thyroidectomy . Which means the person could have to live with no thyroid. In this text, we explain why this operation is performed and whether it’s possible to steer a standard life after surgery.
Why would the thyroid must be removed?
As now we have already mentioned, this gland is answerable for regulating a big a part of the metabolic reactions that occur within the body. For instance, the body temperature, the event of the nervous system, or bone growth.
Which means thyroid hormones are essential from gestation onwards, in order that the child develops accurately. In the course of the remainder of our lives, they’re still essential for survival.
Nonetheless, many pathologies affect this gland and require its removal. This operation is known as thyroidectomyand is used to treat diseases akin to:
- Thyroid nodules: These are small lumps that grow within the gland because of this of an abnormal proliferation of cells. Most of them are benign, but others are difficult to discover. Due to this fact, in lots of cases, the thyroid is removed due to risk that they could be cancerous.
- Goiter: This consists of an enlargement of the gland. This enlargement is uncomfortable and unsightly, as it may cause difficulty in swallowing or respiratory.
- Certain cases of hyperthyroidism: Those through which medical treatment isn’t sufficient to regulate the symptoms.
- Thyroid cancer: As now we have just explained, most cases through which it’s decided to remove the thyroid are when it’s as a consequence of the chance of a cancerous process.
It needs to be noted that, on some occasions, partial thyroidectomies could be performed. In these cases, only a part of the gland is removed. The opposite part can proceed to operate and produce hormones.
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How do you reside with no thyroid?
The reality is which you can’t live with no thyroid without extra help. For this purpose, thyroid hormones are used artificially. These hormones are essential for all times, and scientists have developed drugs that contain them in an artificial form.
This laboratory substance replaces all of the functions of the natural hormones. Essentially the most common type of administration is to take one tablet once a day, normally within the morning. Due to these drugs, it’s possible to live with no thyroid and in a totally normal way.
Nonetheless, it’s essential to observe the concentration of those hormones, and that is carried out through blood tests.
Then again, it’s essential to know that certain medications or products can alter the absorption of synthetic hormones. Due to this fact, relating to living with no thyroid, it’s essential to be clear about certain facets. Oral contraceptives and antiepileptic drugs modify the dose that should be prescribed.
Similarly, iron and calcium supplements and a few foods will not be absorbed accurately. All these considerations are explained by doctors when establishing the treatment.
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Living with no thyroid
Although in certain thyroid diseases this gland is removed, the reality is that it isn’t possible to live with no thyroid, unless a substitutive hormonal treatment is established. This treatment with artificial hormones should be followed accurately and monitored. Due to this fact, periodic medical check-ups can be essential.
The ultimate decision to remove the thyroid gland is made jointly between the patient and the treating physicians. The risks and advantages of every particular case are evaluated so as to proceed with surgery. It’s at all times the last resort, although sometimes it’s the one option.
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