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What are Some Thyroid Problems?
The metabolic processes of the body are affected by the thyroid gland and the hormones it produces. The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system. Thyroid problems or disorders arise when the thyroid functions improperly, most commonly by producing either too little or too many thyroid hormones.
The overproduction of hormones by the thyroid is referred to as hyperthyroidism, while the production of too little hormones is hypothyroidism. The result is the body using energy either too quickly or too slowly, which can result in weight problems, difficulty regulating body temperature, and abnormal energy levels. Though some thyroid problems can be serious, most result in symptoms that are bothersome, but not life-threatening, and can be easily managed and treated.
Thyroid problems that can be caused by hyperthyroidism include Grave’s Disease, toxic adenomas, acute thyroiditis, and cancer of the thyroid gland. Cancer of the thyroid gland rarely develops, but can be more serious than other thyroid problems caused by an overactive thyroid. In most cases, inflammation, goiters, and other problems arise as a result of excess hormones that spill out into the body, but they rarely become cancerous.
In contrast to the thyroid problems caused by an overactive thyroid, an underactive thyroid may be the result of an autoimmune disorder, excessive exposure to iodide, or the surgical absence of the thyroid gland. Without the proper levels of thyroid hormones, a person can become lethargic due to a decrease in energy levels. In children, hypothyroidism can result in stunted growth and improper development.
Proper diagnosis and treatment of thyroid problems is essential to managing the symptoms and conditions they can cause. People with hyperthyroidism are typically treated with anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery. On the contrary, people with hypothyroidism are typically treated with hormone replacement in the form of synthetic hormones.
Thyroid problems are diagnosed by blood tests, usually after certain symptoms that indicate a problem present. People with a history of thyroid problems are more prone to develop certain conditions and should have their hormone levels monitored regularly. Women are more likely than men to have thyroid problems, but with proper medical diagnosis and treatment, most conditions can be managed successfully.
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![Tumors sometimes grow on the thyroid and cause it to malfunction.]()
By: Alexander RathsTumors sometimes grow on the thyroid and cause it to malfunction. -
![Weight gain may be a symptom of hypothyroidism.]()
By: PeJoWeight gain may be a symptom of hypothyroidism. -
![Women are more likely than men to develop thyroid problems.]()
By: Photographee.euWomen are more likely than men to develop thyroid problems. -
![An iodine deficiency increases an individual's risk of developing thyroid problems.]()
By: ksena32An iodine deficiency increases an individual's risk of developing thyroid problems. -
![The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system.]()
By: bilderzwergThe thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system. -
![Most thyroid nodules are discovered during routine examinations.]()
By: lom123Most thyroid nodules are discovered during routine examinations.
Discussion Comments
Moldova- The causes of thyroid problems really are the levels of hormones present in the system.
Higher levels of the T4 and T3 hormone indicate hyper thyroid or high thyroid problems. Here the problem is the complete opposite of what those with a low thyroid experience.
People with a high thyroid are usually people that can eat a lot of food and never seem to gain any weight.
Although this may seem like an enviable condition, it can lead to an autoimmune disease called Graves disease in which the body produces too much of the T4 and T3 hormones which regulate metabolism.
Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroid are increased appetite and weight loss along with a racing heartbeat and sensitivity to heat. In addition a person with this condition might experience anxiety and nervousness.These are all hyper thyroid problems.
GreenWeaver-A thyroid problems diet can include food high in fiber, Iodine from salt, low glycemic foods like lean protein such as seafood, eggs, chicken and turkey.
Foods like pasta, rice, potatoes or sugary foods should be limited and should be consumed for lunch and not dinner because these foods tend to slow the metabolism down and if you eat them later in the evening it will cause havoc on your metabolic rate and you might gain a few pounds over time of habitually doing this.
By eating this meal earlier in the day, you body will have more time to burn it off which is what people with hypothyroid usually need.
SauteePan- These are all symptoms of thyroid problems that can be corrected by doctors. Often an endocrinologist will perform blood tests in order to determine the hormonal levels in the body for the T4 and the T3 hormone.
In order for the thyroid to be functioning properly a hormonal rating of 80% is required for the T4 and a rating of 20% for the T3.
Doctors will provide medication that will enhance the thyroid and can also give vitamin B injections to provide additional energy and stir up the metabolic rate.
Usually low thyroid problems are hereditary but women that have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and are near menopause or in menopause are also at risk.
If you recently had a baby and are experiencing low energy, with increased periods and an inability to lose weight you should also be checked out by an endocrinologist that will be able to make the diagnosis of your thyroid problems symptoms.
Sevenseas-An underactive thyroid problem or low thyroid problems often cause weight gain or a difficulty in losing weight.
Since the thyroid regulates the metabolism an underactive thyroid means that the metabolism is also low and will not burn very many calories. This is why people with this condition gain weight easily or has above average difficulty losing weight.
In addition, they often experience symptoms of thyroid problems like lack of energy. A person suffering from this condition might have her hair fall out and may experience bouts with depression along with course skin and feeling cold all of the time.
T3 and T4 are hormones that thyroid gland produces. Hypothyroidism is the condition when the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient amount of these hormones.
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