There are many signs and symptoms of thyroid problems, mainly because there are many problems that can occur with your thyroid. The thyroid is a gland located in the neck, right below the Adam's apple. The gland produces thyroid hormones that are needed for basic metabolism and organ function. The hormones basically tell the body how slow or fast it should function.
Overactive Thyroid
An overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism, is when your thyroid gland produces an over-abundance of hormones. This speeds up your metabolism and other body functions, causing many problems. Symptoms of an overactive thyroid include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, hand tremors, rapid heartbeat, vision problems and low tolerance for heat. The stress of producing an excess of hormones can also cause your gland to swell and cause a goiter, or visible lump in the neck.
An overactive thyroid can be treated with antithyroid drugs to create normal hormone levels. If medication does not work, you may need to undergo radioactive iodine treatment to kill the thyroid cells. You may need to take synthetic thyroid supplements after this kind of treatment if the gland is heavily damaged. You may also need to take supplements if the problem is bad enough to need the gland removed.
Underactive Thyroid
An underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, is when your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones. The lack of hormones slows down your metabolism, which in turn slows down all other bodily functions. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include unexplained weight gain, fatigue, slow heartbeat, constipation, dry skin and a low tolerance for cold. The stress of trying to keep up with hormone needs can cause your gland to swell and create a bump in your lower neck.
An underactive thyroid can usually be treated with synthetic thyroid hormone supplements. If the problem is bad enough, you may need to stay on the supplements for life. If you're problem is due to your eating habits, an underactive thyroid diet may help balance out your hormone production. If your doctor discovers your underactive thyroid is due to a lack of iodine, try adding some iodine rich foods to your diet, such as seaweed, saltwater fish, soy milk or yogurt.
Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are tiny lumps that can grow inside the thyroid gland. Most of these nodules show no symptoms and cause no problems. If the nodules are large, they can cause difficult swallowing and breathing. Occasionally, the nodules can become cancerous or cause the thyroid to overproduce hormones. The excess hormones can be treated with medication, but may require surgery. Cancerous nodules will most likely require removal surgery and life-long use of synthetic thyroid supplements.
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The symptoms of underactive thyroid can be subtle for years, but when they intensify, it is important to regain thyroid level balance. |
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