Common Thyroid Problems

There are several conditions that occur when the thyroid produces too much or too little of its hormones. Thyroid problems can occur silently without any apparent symptoms during its early stages.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, just below the Adam's apple. Its primary function is to produce hormones that have vast effects on normal body functions. Hormones are chemical substances released by an organ like the thyroid, which have effects on other organs of the body.

Two primary hormones produced by the thyroid gland are the thyroid hormones and calcitonin. Thyroid hormones have many effects on the body. They play a major part on proper metabolism; proper brain development; normal heart and nervous system functions; body temperature; weight; and even cholesterol levels in the blood. In women in their reproductive years, thyroid hormones play a role in normal menstrual cycles.

Calcitonin, on the other hand, does not act like the thyroid hormones. Its major function is to regulate calcium levels in the blood. Also, it plays a part in normal deposition of calcium in bones.

Thyroid Problems: The most common problems

Sometimes, the thyroid malfunctions and produce either too much or too little of thyroid hormones or calcitonin.

Hyperthyroidism

When the thyroid gland produces too much of the thyroid hormones more than the body needs, the condition is called hyperthyroidism. This condition is sometimes referred to as thyrotoxicosis. It can cause some of the body's function too speed up.

Causes of hyperthyroidism include Grave's disease; thyroid nodules or adenomas, which are noncancerous lumps in the thyroid; inflammation of the thyroid, called thyroiditis; taking too much iodine or too much synthetic thyroid hormones. Synthetic thyroid hormones are laboratory-made hormones used to treat an underactive thyroid

Hyperthyroidism symptoms may include nervousness or irritability; intolerance to heat; muscle weakness or fatigue; loss of weight; cardiovascular problems such as rapid and irregular heartbeat; and hand tremors. Some people with hyperthyroidism may have mood swings as well. In others, their thyroid may be enlarged (goiter).

In older adults, hyperthyroidism may be misdiagnosed as depression or dementia because of its effects on mood.

Signs of hyperthyroidism may be different from one person to the other.

Hypothyroidism

In contrast, a thyroid gland producing too little thyroid hormone is called hypothyroidism. This can cause bodily functions too slow down. Several conditions can cause hypothyroidism including Hashimoto's disease, inflamed thyroid (thyroiditis), and congenital hypothyroidism-a condition that occurs at birth. The condition can also occur when a part or the entire thyroid has been removed surgically.

Other causes of hypothyroidism include radiation treatment of the thyroid and effect of some medications.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, slowed heartbeat, fatigue, intolerance to cold temperatures, decreased sweating and joint and muscle pains. The condition may also cause the face to become puffy. Women in the reproductive years who have hypothyroidism may have heavy or irregular menstrual cycles. Sometimes the condition can cause depression.

Sources:

Hyperthyroidism. National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service.

Hypothyroidism. National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service.