In your neck, there is a small gland in a butterfly shape which is responsible to make your thyroid hormones, important for your body.
Now you might be thinking what are the functions of thyroid hormones that make them so important? Thyroid hormones are in charge of your body’s energy usage. They control the working of almost every organ of your body, even how your heart beats every time. It also plays a part in the metabolic processes of your body.
Thyroid disorders are caused by excessive and insufficient production of thyroid hormones. If the problems are diagnosed and treated properly then the patient has no need to panic, but if it remains undiagnosed and untreated, it can even lead to life-threatening cancer disease.
Excessive production of thyroid hormones leads to Hyperthyroidism, a condition which causes many other problems like:
Toxic adenomas, the secretion of thyroid hormones by some nodules which develop in the thyroid gland and start to upset the chemical balance of the body.
Sub-acute thyroiditis, the leakage of excess thyroid hormones upon inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Cancer starts to grow in the thyroid gland and pituitary gland may start malfunctioning.
Particularly in women, the thyroid gland starts malfunctioning and causes many symptoms which you might be fed up of. Weight gain, anxiety, feeling sweaty, hair loss, fatigue, vision problems, irregular menstrual periods, trembling hands, all are symptoms of thyroid disorders. Let’s take a look at the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism closely.
Are you worried about your rapid weight gain without any particular reason? It might be because of hypothyroidism. But if your weight is dropping rapidly, it might be because of hyperthyroidism.
Something that gives away thyroid more is the swelling in the neck. It points out that there might be a problem in the thyroid. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism cause goitre in the neck. Swelling may also occur because of the growth of nodules in the thyroid or thyroid cancer.
Since thyroid hormones affect the heartbeat, their production might change the rate of a normal heartbeat. Slower heartbeat is the result of hypothyroidism, whereas, fast heat beat is the result of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism may also increase blood pressure.
Thyroid disorders also cause a change in your mood and energy levels. Depression, tiredness, dizziness, all are due to hypothyroidism. Insomnia, irritation, anxiety and restlessness, all are due to hyperthyroidism.
Both conditions of thyroid cause your hair to fall out. While the body temperature also gets effected as hypothyroidism makes the person feel cold and hyperthyroidism makes the person sweaty and hot.
Since the symptoms of menopause and thyroid disorders are the same, some times people mistaken the thyroid problems with menopause. But this confusion can be solved by a blood test that determines thyroid disorders.
The thyroid-stimulating hormone will be measured through this test. High levels of TSH mean hypothyroidism and low levels of TSH mean hyperthyroidism. Other thyroid tests, as well as biopsies, are also conducted to check the possibilities of thyroid disorders.
Treatment of hypothyroidism is usually done by prescribing pills for thyroid hormones. Treatment may work in a few weeks or may last for long term and rest of their lives. Radioactive iodine is another method that destroys the thyroid gland.
Antithyroid medicines are also prescribed which lower the thyroid hormone levels in the body to treat hyperthyroidism. If antithyroid medications don’t work then the gland is removed by surgery to treat hyperthyroidism. Other medications are also given for the treatment.
Have you noticed any of these symptoms in yourself? Let us know in the comments below if the information provided was helpful.
Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!