Things That Can Go Wrong With Your Thyroid

Things That Can Go Wrong With Your Thyroid

Thyroid
October 13, 2019 , Last updated: July 16, 2024

When it’s healthy, the thyroid gland quietly performs its tasks like an unsung hero, a quiet but instrumental cog in the marvelous machine known as the human body. But when it gets diseased, the problems can become annoying at its best and life-threatening at worst.

Thyroid disorder is actually several medical conditions, each with its own set of signs and symptoms. The following is an overview of those medical conditions.

Hypothyroidism

Inexplicable weight gain. Fatigue, Memory loss. In people, whose thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, the result is a slowing down of all bodily functions, causing a condition called hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is the most common form of thyroid disease. Although it can be temporary in some cases, most often it is a permanent medical condition that requires lifelong medications and vigilance. People who have it may notice that they feel sluggish, depressed, and unable to concentrate. But in its milder forms, they may notice nothing at all.

Click here to know more about Hypothyroidism Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism

Unintentional weight loss. Rapid or irregular heartbeat. Excessive sweating. In people, whose thyroid gland produces too much of the thyroid hormone, the result is acceleration of your body’s metabolism, causing a condition called hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism is more common in women than men (5:1 ratio). People who have it are jittery, anxious, and have trouble catching their breath. They may be plagued by insomnia and notice that their eyes bulge. In milder forms, hyperthyroidism may produce no symptoms at all.

Many cases of hyperthyroidism are caused by Grave’s disease, an autoimmune condition that causes enlargement of the thyroid gland. But it may also be the result of thyroiditis, an inflammation of the thyroid gland, or the over ingestion of iodine. Some people who are taking thyroid remedies for hypothyroidism may become hyperthyroid too, if they take too much medication. In some women, hyperthyroidism may develop after pregnancy.

Goiter

Goiter is also known as Iodine deficiency disorder as Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of prevalence of goiter disease. This condition may be the result of too much or too little thyroid hormone, and they are not cancerous. Some patients may have normal test for thyroid and still have goiter disease.

In people with underactive thyroid, inadequate amounts of thyroid hormone cause TSH levels to go up, spurring the development of goiter. Goiters that result from hypothyroidism are often caused by Hashimoto’s disease. It may also be the result of an overactive thyroid brought on by Graves’ disease, which causes the gland to swell and enlarge.

Thyroid Nodules

Simply put, a nodule is a lump. The vast majority of thyroid nodules are small, benign (non-cancerous), and harmless. They may occur as a single nodule or as a clump.

Most thyroid nodules are stealth invaders. You may not even notice you have nodule until your doctor feels one in your throat during a routine physical check-up. But if the nodule gets bigger, you may see it in your throat as a lump in the lower front of your neck. Women may see it when they’re applying makeup. Men may notice it while they’re shaving or if their shirt collars begin to feel uncomfortably snug.

Large nodules may actually press against your trachea (windpipe) or esophagus, making it difficult for you to breathe or swallow. They may even cause hoarseness in your voice. Nodules accompanied by enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck may also indicate cancer. Therefore, the bottom line is: All nodules warrant medical attention and evaluation to pin down the exact cause and type of nodule.

Thyroid Cancer

There are four distinct types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. Each form develops in different cells of the thyroid gland and is distinct from the others. Although having cancer can be frightening to anyone, most cases of thyroid cancer are readily treated by surgery. And though having thyroid cancer means you’ll need regular monitoring to detect any recurrence, most patients go on to live normal, healthy lives. Click here to understand more about thyroid cancer

As you can see, the impact of thyroid is rather significant and can affect your health in many ways. The key is to preventing thyroid problem from worsening is prompt diagnosis and treatment. To know more about thyroid treatment, click here: https://www.drbatras.com/thyroid-disease

You can meet our expert homeopaths for a consultation and get a safe, effective, and long-lasting treatment for thyroid problems by booking an appointment.

Dr. Sejal Borivali
Authored By

Dr. SEJAL VIVEK PAREKAR

BHMS

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