0
The thyroid gland is found in the neck below the Adam's apple and it controls metabolism by producing certain hormones. A malfunctioning thyroid can cause a multitude of problems including weight issues, energy levels, and depression. Common types of thyroid problems include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
HypothyroidismWhen the thyroid does not make a sufficient amount of hormones the condition is called hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. This condition can lead to obesity, cardiovascular problems, and low energy levels. Symptoms include fatigue, high cholesterol, hoarse voice, muscle weakness and pain, dry skin, sensitivity to cold, heavy menstrual periods, and constipation.
An underactive thyroid can easily be diagnosed with a simple blood test. Treatment consists of a daily dose of synthetic levothyroxine, which is a thyroid hormone. Once the proper dosage is established, this treatment is safe and effective.
HyperthyroidismHyperthyroidism is the name of the condition when the thyroid makes too much thyroxine. An overactive thyroid can cause your metabolism to go into high gear. This can cause rapid weight loss, nervousness, mood swings, fatigue, and changes in your skin such as excessive sweating or itchiness. You may experience tachycardia where your heart beats quickly, arrhythmia where your heart beats irregularly, or palpitation where your heart pounds.
The usual treatment for hyperthyroidism is radioactive iodine administered by mouth. The thyroid will absorb it and begin to shrink over a few months. This decreases hormone production and 80 percent of patients need only one dose. Another treatment for people with mild symptoms is antithyroid medication. Two common ones are Tapazole and PTU and they slow the production of hormones.
Thyroid NodulesThese are lumps that form in the thyroid and most of the time they cause no symptoms or problems. They are typically discovered during an exam of the thyroid. If a nodule is too big, it may interfere with swallowing as it may affect the trachea.
Nodules that are too big or are found to be cancerous may require surgery. Fortunately, very few nodules are cancerous. Smaller nodules will need to be monitored for growth or can be treated with medications which will slow the growth of thyroid tissue.
What else can I help you with?
How common is thyroid disease?
The thyroid gland is located on the front part of the neck below the thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple). The gland produces thyroid hormones, which regulate body metabolism. Thyroid hormones are important in regulating body energy, the body's use of other hormones and vitamins, and the growth and maturation of body tissues. Diseases of the thyroid gland can result in either production of too much thyroid hormone, thyroid nodules, and/or goiter. All types of thyroid problems in women are much more common than thyroid problems in men.
What are the symptoms of the different kinds of thyroid problems?
There are different kinds of thyroid disorders. The two most common problems are hyperthyroidism in which the thyroid gland is overactive and hypothyroidism in which the thyroid gland is underactive. Each condition has its distinguished symptoms. However, the two disorders share some similar symptoms such as fatigue, heart problems and menstrual changes.
What causes thyroid problem?
Thyroid conditions do tend to be hereditary. However, one of the most common causes of thyroid problems is having a lack of iodine in your daily diet. Including iodinized salt in your daily diet is important because it can help prevent thyroid conditions such as a goiter. A goiter is inflammation of the thyroid gland, also known as the thyroid gland becoming enlarged. Worldwide, the most common cause of a goiter is due to a lack of iodine in our daily diet.
What causes thyroids?
Thyroid conditions do tend to be hereditary. However, one of the most common causes of thyroid problems is having a lack of iodine in your daily diet. Including iodinized salt in your daily diet is important because it can help prevent thyroid conditions such as a goiter. A goiter is inflammation of the thyroid gland, also known as the thyroid gland becoming enlarged. Worldwide, the most common cause of a goiter is due to a lack of iodine in our daily diet.
What's Thyroid disease?
Thyroid diseases sometimes result from inappropriate TSH levels, or may be caused by problems in the thyroid gland itself.The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the body makes antibodies that destroy parts of the thyroid gland. Surgical removal and certain medications (e.g., amiodarone, lithium) can also cause hypothyroidism.Other causes of hypothyroidism include pituitary problems, hypothalamus problems, and iodine deficiency (rare in North America, but affects nearly 2 billion people worldwide).Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. This condition occurs when the immune system produces an antibody that stimulates the entire thyroid gland; this leads to overactivity and higher levels of thyroid hormones.Secondary hyperthyroidism is caused when the pituitary gland makes too much TSH, leading to constant stimulation of the thyroid gland. A pituitary tumour may cause TSH levels to rise. More rarely, the pituitary gland becomes insensitive to thyroid hormones, no longer responding to high levels.Another possible cause of hyperthyroidism is a condition called thyroiditis. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland becomes inflamed. Depending on the type of thyroiditis, this may lead to temporary hyperthyroidism that might be followed by hypothyroidism.
Common diseases that affect the thyroid gland?
Goiter
Is iodine found in thyroid hormones?
No. Iodine is not found in the thyroid hormones, but Iodine is necessary for the thyroid gland to make thyroxin hormone. Actually yes, iodine is found in the thyroid hormones T3 and T4, the most common forms of thyroid hormone.
What medicines are for hypo thyroid?
Hypothyroidism is usually treated by taking daily thyroid medication. The most common thyroid medication is called levothyroxine. This thyroid medication comes in 12 different strengths and it is prescribed by a physician.
Are there common symptoms of thyroid cancer that I should look into?
There are several common symptoms associated with thyroid cancer. A lump in your neck, voice hoarseness, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty breathing, and pains in the neck are five common symptoms.
What is active thyroid?
An under active thyroid produces too little of necessary thyroid hormones. Thyroid diseases are very common and can be treated with medication. With proper treatment, thyroid hormone levels can be restored and you will likely notice improvement in your symptoms as feeling less fatigue and weight control.
Do patients with hyperthyroidism have visible enlarge thyroid glands?
Though it is not common, patients with hyperthyroidism can experience an enlarged thyroid gland depending upon age and stage of life. An enlarged thyroid gland is more common among those with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyrioditis, or postpartum thyroiditis.
What are some common health problems in Shar Pei puppies?
A few common health problems in Shar Pei puppies include allergies, cherry eye, ear infections, entropion, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and a few more. Entropion is a disorder of the eyes where the eyelashes and eyelids turn into the eyeball instead of out. Hypothyroidsim involves a faulty thyroid.
