Thyroid is a gland in the human body. Thyroid disease results due to too much or too less hormone production.
Thyroid is a small organ; it is present in the front of neck. It has a butterfly-like structure with two wide wings on the sides. These wing-type structures extend around the sides of your throat.
We have several glands throughout our body. These glands produce and release substances for the body. Similarly, the thyroid gland makes hormones. And these hormones control several vital functions of the body.
Now, when the gland does not work properly, it can have a negative impact on the whole body. There are two main conditions which can then develop:
Thyroid releases and controls hormones and these hormones help control body metabolism. Metabolism refers to the process of food transformation into energy. Thereafter, the body uses this energy from food to keep several systems of the body functioning correctly.
Now, thyroid gland produces two kinds of hormones – T4 or thyroxine and T3 or triiodothyronine. These hormones guide the cells of the body about the quantity of energy of use to the body. Furthermore, if the thyroid works properly, it maintains the correct amounts of hormones. Normal thyroid levels help in maintaining a good body metabolism. In fact, when the body uses up the hormones, the gland will create replacements.
Moreover, there’s a pituitary gland monitoring the amounts of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. Upon recognizing the body’s need for hormones, it adjusts the amount with its own thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Finally, it sends TSH to thyroid gland and thus tells the gland to act toward the requirement.
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are the two thyroid diseases. In the former case, the thyroid releases too much hormones and the body uses the energy too quickly. This makes you feel tired and this enhances the heart rate. In fact, it also stimulates weight loss and develops nervousness. In the latter case, you may face fatigue, weight gain and be unable to bear cold temperatures. There can be a wide number of factors causing the two conditions. One of them is heredity.
Thyroid disorders range from small and harmless goiter to life-threatening thyroid cancer. However, most thyroid problems are manageable with proper diagnosis and treatment.
Thyroid problems can develop in men, women, elderly, teenagers as well as infants. Moreover, it can be typically hypothyroidism at birth and progress with age, especially after menopause in case of women.
Thyroid diseases are common and women have more chances of getting one than men.
People with following conditions are more prone to having the diseases:
Now, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are a result of how other diseases impacted the thyroid gland’s work.
Hyperthyroidism causes:
Hypothyroidism causes:
Unfortunately, the symptoms of a thyroid disease are very similar to those of many other medical conditions.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid):
Symptoms of hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid):
Thyroid conditions also impact nails and skin, cause digestion problems and brain fog (slowdown of thinking abilities). In fact, they can affect musculoskeletal system, causing muscle and joint pain.
One may watch for swelling in the neck, ear and jaw pain, raspy voice, trouble swallowing/breathing, visible enlarged neck and a ‘full’ feeling in his/her neck.
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