What is Thyroid disorders?
Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck called the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located below the Adam's apple wrapped around the windpipe (trachea), it plays important roles to regulate numerous metabolic processes throughout the body. The thyroid uses iodine to produce vital hormones. Thyroxine, also known as T4, is the primary hormone produced by the gland. After delivery via the bloodstream to the body's tissues, a small portion of the T4 released from the gland is converted to triiodothyronine (T3), which is the most active hormone.
Since the thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, disorders of these tissues can also affect thyroid function and cause thyroid problems.Different types of thyroid disorders affect either its structure or function.
Types of Thyroid disorders
Hypothyroidism
This is when the thyroid gland produces insufficient amount of thyroid hormones. It can be from problems within the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus.
Symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Feeling cold
- Fluid retention
- Muscle and joint aches
- Depression
- Prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding in women
- Infertility
Hyperthyroidism
This describes the excessive production of the thyroid hormone, this is less common than hypothyroidism.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism usually relate to increased metabolism and may include:
- Tremor
- Nervousness
- Fast heart rate
- Fatigue
- Intolerance for heat
- Increase in bowel movements
- Increased sweating
- Concentration problems
- Unintentional weight loss
Goiter
Goiter simply describes enlargement of the thyroid gland, regardless of cause. A goiter is not a specific disease per se. A goiter may be associated with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or normal thyroid function.
Thyroid nodules
Nodules are lumps or abnormal masses within the thyroid. Nodules can be caused by benign cysts, benign tumors, or, less commonly, by cancers of the thyroid. Nodules may be single or multiple and can vary in size. If nodules are excessively large, they may cause symptoms related to compression of nearby organ.
Thyroid cancer
This is common among adult women than men or youth. About 2/3 of cases occur in people under age 55. There are different kinds of thyroid cancer, depending upon the specific cell type within the thyroid that has become cancerous. Most cases of thyroid cancer have a good prognosis and high survival rates, especially when diagnosed in its early stages.
When to see a doctor
- Symptoms of hypothyroidism don’t get better despite treatment
- You have a thyroid nodule or lump.
- You have an enlarged thyroid gland, or goiter.
- A pituitary gland disorder is causing hypothyroidism.
- You are pregnant or are trying to conceive
Possible thyroid complications
- Eye problems, such as bulging eyes, blurred or double vision or even vision loss
- Heart problems, such as rapid heart rate, problems with heart rhythm or heart failure — these problems can usually be treated
- Brittle bones (osteoporosis)
- Red, swollen skin — occurring particularly on the shins and feet
- Thyrotoxic crisis, which is a worsening of symptoms causing fever, rapid heart rate and delirium — this requires urgent medical attention
An underactive thyroid (hypothyroid) can cause a range of complications, including:
- An enlarged thyroid, or goiter, which may cause problems with swallowing and breathing
- High cholesterol and associated heart disease Nerve damage causing tingling, numbness and pain in the legs, arms or other affected areas
- Infertility
- Birth defects
- Miscarriage or premature birth
- Mental health issues such as depression
- Myxedema, which is a rare, life-threatening condition involving intense cold intolerance, lethargy and drowsiness that can lead to unconsciousness — requires urgent medical attention.
Prevention of thyroid problems
- Make sure you have healthy iodine levels
- Stop smoking
- Be careful about toxic exposures
- Ask for a thyroid collar during dental x-rays
- Keep potassium iodide on hand
- Don't go overboard on soy
- Don't overdo raw goitrogenic vegetables
Natural remedies for treating thyroid problems
- AvoidIodine Deficiency
- Eat Foods High in Selenium, Zinc and B Vitamins
- Avoid Inflammatory Foods
- Reduce Stress Levels
- Take Probiotics
- Reduce Toxic Exposures
- Use Laminarin and Verzan.
