Whether you know it or not, your thyroid gland is one of the essential parts of your body. Like everything else in the body, it functions better when it is healthy. What happens if it doesn’t work the way it should? Believe it or not, this happens more often than you think.
Roughly 20 million Americans have thyroid disease, and up to 60% of those people are unaware of their condition. A thyroid disorder can be linked to fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eczema, or autoimmune diseases. Still, it can also be the result of an unhealthy diet and bad lifestyle choices.
What is the thyroid gland?
Thyroid, just below the adam’s apple in the neck, is a butterfly-shaped gland that is a prestigious part of the complex network of glands called the endocrine system. While the endocrine system is responsible for synchronizing multiple body activities, the thyroid gland’s only function is to release the thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones regulate the entire metabolic process of the body, and so a disturbance in the body can lead to numerous severe disorders.
If you plan to know the common disorders caused by the thyroid gland’s improper functioning, this article is definitely for you.
Hashimoto’s disease
Commonly known as hypothyroidism, it is a chronic condition that can occur at any age. The condition occurs when the body’s immune system destroys the thyroid gland, ultimately affecting its ability to release thyroid hormone. People with a mild case of hypothyroidism may not show obvious symptoms, but those with severe temperament may stop showing signs such as:
– Constipation
– Dry skin, thin hair
– Depression
– Fatigue
– Swollen, pale face
– Weight increase
– Intolerance to cold
– Unbalanced menstrual cycle (in women)
– Enlarged thyroid (goitre)
Grave’s Disease
Named after the doctor, who first revealed it, it is a common form of overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disease that strikes when the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland, resulting in the thyroid hormone’s overproduction. With a high level of the thyroid gland in the bloodstream, the body can exhibit symptoms such as:
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– Menstrual irregularities
– Muscle weakness
– Intolerance to heat
– Excessive sweating
– Fatigue
– Protruding eyes and wrong vision
– Frequent bowl-shaped movements or even diarrhea
– Manual quakes
– Irregular heartbeat
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Goitre
A non-cancerous result of the thyroid gland, goitre is standard worldwide and is mainly considered a consequence of iodine deficiency in the body. Goitre can affect at any age, but it is common in people over 40 years of age. Medical history, pregnancy, exposure to radiation, and certain medications are the main risk factors for this disease. Mild cases of goitre can show no symptoms, while complex cases of goitre can appear with the following symptoms:
– Tightness/swelling in the neck
– Beeping or coughing
– Creepiness of the voice
– Difficulty breathing and swallowing food
Thyroid nodes
Thyroid disease can also lead to another acute condition known as thyroid tubers. The nodules are the growth form in or on the thyroid gland. However, the primary cause of this disease is unknown, but it is seen as cancer in a small proportion of cases. The risks of thyroid nodules can increase with age. Thyroid nodules do not reveal any symptoms, but if they become large enough, they can lead to symptoms such as:
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– Tremors
– Clammy skin
– Increased appetite
– High pulse frequency
– Nervosity
– Weight loss
– Swelling in the neck
– Problem with swallowing and breathing
– High level of pain
Each thyroid disorder is different, so the treatment options for each of these conditions are also other. To ensure that you do not experience a major side effect, it is essential to visit a specialist, make a proper diagnosis and stick to the treatment.
