Thyroid Disease May
Affect You Silently
Managing Thyroid Disorders
To Lead A Fuller Life
Types Of Thyroid Disorders[4]
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck which plays an important role in regulating numerous metabolic processes throughout the body. Different types of thyroid disorders affect either its structure or function.
The specific kinds of thyroid disorders include:
Hypothyroidism
In this condition, the thyroid hormone is produced less by the thyroid gland.
Hyperthyroidism
Here there is excessive production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland.
Symptoms Of Thyroid Imbalance [4]
Hypothyroidism: Weight gain is one of the key signs of this type of thyroid imbalance. The others are:
- Fatigue, weakness and feeling cold
- Depression
- Constipation, muscle stiffness, aches
- Weight gain
- Decreased sweating, lower heart rate, high blood cholesterol
- Irregular menstrual changes and fertility issues
Hyperthyroidism: The top symptom of this imbalance is weight-loss, the others are:
- Being nervous and restless
- Increased heart rate and sweating
- Irritability and anxiety
- Troubled sleep
- Thin skin and brittle hair
- Muscle weakness
Some forms of thyroid disease may not present symptoms,making it essential to screen for them using a Thyroid Function Test
Causes For Thyroid Imbalance[5]
Autoimmune diseases are the main cause of thyroid imbalances. Hypothyroidism could be also caused by thyroid-related surgeries and radiation therapy. Hyperthyroidism could be a result of an inflamed thyroid gland post-pregnancy or hormone stress.
Risk Factors
Women are more prone to this imbalance, other risk factors include.
Family History Of Thyroid Imbalance
Existing Autoimmune Diseases
Undergone A Radioactive Treatment
Recent Pregnancy Or Delivery
Diagnosis
Thyroid diseases can be diagnosed with a blood test that checks for levels of hormones related to the thyroid gland called thyroid function tests
Men are more prone to thyroid disease
Thyroid imbalance is caused due to autoimmune reasons
Weight loss is the top sign of hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is located near the lungs
References
1. (2013). The untapped potential of the thyroid axis. The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, 1(3), 163. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3169866/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3169868/?report=classic
3. https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/landia/PIIS2213858714702086.pdf
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8541-thyroid-disease