The Thyroid Gland is responsible for the metabolism rate of our body, as well as cell growth and regeneration. Most people have heard of thyroid disorders, and there are over 200 million people around the world that suffer from them.
Twenty-seven million of these people are Americans, and above half of the 27 million are undiagnosed. There are four main types of thyroid disorders and two of them are Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism
The main problem is that much of the population is under-informed about symptoms and can’t treat on time, which can lead to obesity, heart disease, depression, anxiety, hair loss, sexual dysfunction, infertility, among others.
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland is not producing or making enough thyroid hormones.
If there is lack of supply of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream, the body’s metabolic rate drops as well causing a vast range of side effects
Hypothyroidism Symptoms
There are 47 specific symptoms that have been identified to be present in people suffering from low thyroid function, and here are some:
Constipation
Heavier menstrual period for women
Paleness
Depression
Being more sensitive to cold
Weakness
Joint pain
Brittle fingernails and/or hair
Slow speech
Decreased sense of smell or taste
Puffy hands, face or feet
Thickening of skin
Lethargy
Hypothyroidism Causes
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is the inflammation of the thyroid gland. And if that happens, it damages the cells of the gland.
The most common example of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Autoimmune thyroiditis - where the immune system of the body begins to attack the thyroid gland causing complications and damage to the gland itself.
There are other things which cause hypothyroidism. Usually, these causes are congenital or birth defects. It may also include cancer or tumor treatment to the neck which may directly affect or damage the thyroid gland. Surgery or the removal of a part of the thyroid gland, drug or medical intake, as well as other drugs used to treat hyperthyroidism can also take a toll on the body.
There are also some women who develop the “postpartum thyroiditis”, which occurs after a woman has given birth.
Hypothyroidism Treatment
There is no way to prevent or stop Hypothyroidism, but it is curable. Once the symptoms start to manifest, visit your health care provider or physician and have yourself tested.
If the test and exam results show that the problem is hypothyroidism, your doctor or physician would prescribe TSH or Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone medicine.
Most of the time, the doctor will require you to start with a small dosage to avoid the possibility of side effects and other complications. Once you begin taking the medication, you should not stop taking it even if the symptoms of the disorder go away.
If you are taking prescription medication for hypothyroidism, you must make sure that you visit your doctor twice a year. This is so that you can have your thyroid hormone level measured.
Always consult your doctor in case you want to switch brands or try another kind of medication.
Lastly, if you’re having side effects due to medication, visit your doctor immediately.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much of its hormones for a short (acute) or long (chronic) period of time.
The signs or symptoms are the following:
Palpitations
Over fatigue
Sweatiness
Rapid bowel movement
Irritability
Sudden paralysis
Shortness of breath
Nervousness
Goiter
Hyperthyroidism Causes
Hypothyroidsm can be caused by several things – and they can be external such as the things we do or internal, which occur inside the body. The most common causes of hypothyroidism are as follows:
Excessive iodine intake
Thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid gland
Abnormal release of TSH of the gland
Grave’s disease
Hyperthyroidism Treatment
There are no known ways to prevent hyperthyroidism, but like hypothyroidism, it is manageable. The treatment for hyperthyroidism depends on the severity of the symptoms. Most of the time, Hyperthyroidism is treated with one or more of the following:
Antithyroid medications
Surgery to remove the thyroid
Radioactive iodine
If you suffer from hypothyroidism, your doctor will assess the gravity of your condition and determine the best hypothyroidism treatment for you.
Here are some of the most common signs that you may have a thyroid condition:
10. Muscle and Joint Pains – Aches and pains in your muscles and joints, weakness in the arms and a tendency to develop carpal tunnel in the arms/hands.
9. Neck Discomfort or Enlargement – A feeling of swelling in the neck, discomfort with turtlenecks or neckties.
8. Hair and Skin Changes –Hair frequently becomes brittle, coarse and dry, while breaking off and falling out easily. Skin can become coarse, thick, dry, and scaly.
7. Bowel Problems – Severe or long-term constipation and diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.
6. Menstrual Irregularities and Fertility Problems – Heavier, more frequent and more painful periods or shorter, lighter and infrequent Infertility can also be associated
5. Family History – If you have a family history of thyroid problems, you are at a higher risk of having a thyroid condition yourself.
4. Cholesterol Issues – High cholesterol, especially when it is not responsive to diet, exercise or cholesterol-lowering medication
3. Depression and Anxiety – Depression or anxiety, including sudden onset of panic disorder, can be symptoms of thyroid disease.
2. Weight Changes – Unexplained weight changes and issues can be signs of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
1. Fatigue – Feeling exhausted when you wake up or being unable to function all day without a nap can be signs of thyroid problems.
(Seen on Facebook, Learning Petals)
No comments:
Post a Comment