Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid Guide - Thyroid Disorders: The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland that can be found just below the Adam’s apple. It produces thyroid hormones that are used for metabolism in the body. The growth and development of all the body tissues are dependent on the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Problems arise if the thyroid gland is overactive or underactive. There are three common thyroid disorders. These are hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and the thyroid nodules. Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland fails to produce an adequate supply of thyroid hormones. Common symptoms of this thyroid disorder are hair loss, dry skin, sluggishness, constipation and weight gain. Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid gland. In this case, the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than what the body needs. When this happens, an individual may feel exhausted most of the time, lose weight excessively, experience palpitations and irritability. Order your At-Home Thyroid Test NOW! Results in 3 days! Collect your sample, mail it back in the prepaid envelope, and receive results by email or phone. Thyroid nodules are lumps that grow in the thyroid which are mostly common and harmless. Only a small percentage of thyroid nodules are cancerous. One must undergo a biopsy to be further evaluated if the lump or tumor is benign or cancerous. Not all people with thyroid disorders may notice and feel symptoms. Someone can even go on living without having any clue that they may be suffering from a thyroid disorder. It is best to consult a doctor should an individual feel any symptoms either related or not related to thyroid disorders. Thyroid disorders if left untreated may put one’s health and even life at risk. Interesting Questions about Thyroid: Have more questions? Need more answers? Check our Full Thyroid FAQ Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders Autoimmune thyroid disorders are common and occur when the thyroid gland is being attacked by the immune system. This results in an abnormal functioning of the thyroid gland. In cases like autoimmune thyroid disorders, the thyroid gland is either underactive or overactive. Examples of autoimmune thyroid disorders are Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Autoimmune thyroid disorders are also more common in women than in men. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis occurs in women between the ages of 30 and 50. This disease may be inherited since it appears to have a genetic component. People over 50 years old who have hypertension are prone to develop an autoimmune thyroid disorder called Graves’ disease. Thyroid Disorder Symptoms Thyroid disorder symptoms often appear gradually, thus making it commonly misdiagnosed. Some people may not feel or notice any symptoms at all. Common thyroid disorders are hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and thyroid nodules. Common symptoms for hypothyroidism are weight gain, constipation, heavy or abnormal menstrual flows, dry skin and hair loss. As for hyperthyroidism, an individual may notice and experience hair loss, excessive weight loss, frequent bowel movement and irritability. Thyroid nodules are often ignored because most of the time, the lumps or tumors are benign. But one must not ignore these lumps or tumors since these may also be cancerous. Should one feel any of these symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor and seek medical help. Tests will be done to check one’s thyroid function and determine if these symptoms are caused by any thyroid disorder. Thyroid Guide & Links to Related Articles Parathyroid There are four parathyroid glands that are normally having the size of a single rice grain. In some normal cases, they can be as big as the size of a pea. Hypothyroid Also called underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism is a disorder that is characterized by abnormal level of thyroid hormones in the body, which is too low. Thyroid Glands The thyroid is a butterfly (pear)-shaped gland, it consists of 2 symmetrical lobes joined by a central isthmus that normally covers the 2nd & 3rd tracheal rings. Congenital Hypothyroidism Congenital hypothyroidism is a thyroid gland disorder that may lead to deafness or mental retardation if left undetected. Thyroid Depression Hypothyroidism can cause depression. Most people don?t realize that this feeling is depression caused by the thyroid gland not functioning as it should. Papillary Thyroid Cancer Papillary thyroid cancer is one of the thyroid cancer types. This type of thyroid cancer arises from the follicles in the thyroid gland. Thyroid Gland Function The thyroid gland is located immediately below the larynx on each side of and anterior to the trachea. It is one of the largest of the endocrine glands Thyroid Hormone These thyroid hormones are responsible in regulating the body?s metabolism, which is how much food will be broken down into useful energy for consumption. Thyroid Levels When the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, one may suffer from hyperthyroidism. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone The thyroid stimulating hormone is produced by the pituitary gland. The thyroid stimulating hormone promotes the growth of the thyroid gland. Thyroid Hormones Thyroid hormones are chemical substances produced by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck. Supplements for the Thyroid Natural thyroid supplements are helpful as a remedy to thyroid disorders. Its natural ingredients assure one of its safeties in taking it. Thyroid Symptoms in Women The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that is the primary responsible in regulating the body?s metabolism. Thyroid Surgery Thyroid surgery is used to treat people with thyroid problems such as thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules and hyperthyroidism. Thyroid Test Thyroid tests or thyroid function tests are done to check the thyroid function in one?s body. A doctor will be able to determine and diagnose the thyroid disorder. Thyroid Treatment Treatment for thyroid disorders should be done to prevent unwanted results caused by the severity of the condition. Consult a physician for more of these treatments. Thyroidectomy Thyroidectomy is a surgical process wherein the whole or a part of the thyroid gland is removed. This surgical process is used to treat thyroid disorders. Underactive Thyroid Having an underactive thyroid is a minor problem but it seeks proper attention to avoid further health problems. Consult a physician about any thyroid problem. Low Thyroid Low thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland is under active. Under-Active Thyroid Diet Following a healthy meal plan, exercise and proper medication goes hand in hand to treat hypothyroidism. Consult a physician for a more individualized plan. Thyroid Cancer Treatment Each thyroid cancer treatment depends on the type of thyroid cancer and the extent or stage of the thyroid cancer one is suffering from. Parathyroid Hormone Levels Parathyroid hormones are considered to be the most important endocrine regulator. It basically regulates the calcium and phosphorus concentration in the body. Parathyroid Disease Studies show that since 1925, the standard treatment for parathyroid disease is to surgically remove the parathyroid gland(s) which are overproducing parathyroid hormones. Parathyroid Adenoma Parathyroid adenoma is a small tumor of the parathyroid gland and is known to be the most common disorder of the gland. Medullary Thyroid Cancer Medullary thyroid cancer is one of the types of thyroid cancer. This type of thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men. Overactive Thyroid Most people don?t feel any symptoms. Others can just lose weight and just feel depressed for no reason at all. Hypothyroidism Suppose you go in for a routine checkup and your doctor decides to test your thyroid function. You?ve experienced no thyroid disease symptoms Hypothyroidism Symptoms Hypothyroidism develops for over a long period of time. It?s normally from several months to even several years. Hypothyroidism Natural Treatment People who are suffering from hypothyroidism are advised to get plenty of exercise and have a balanced and healthy diet. The diet must be rich in protein and iodine. Hypothyroidism Diet Self medicating one?s thyroid disorder with hypothyroidism diet pills without proper information of the diet pill does not address the problem. Hyperthyroidism Symptoms & Treatment Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormones more than the body needs. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is one of the chronic diseases in the world. Hypothyroidism is also known as underactive thyroid; hypo means under or below normal. Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a type of thyroid cancer that is rare and aggressive. It affects the thyroid gland and most especially its function. Thyroid Disorders Problems arise if the thyroid gland is overactive or underactive. There are three common thyroid disorders. These are hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and the thyroid nodules. Thyroid Hair Loss Hair loss may happen for so many reasons but it is commonly associated to thyroid problems such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Thyroid Function Test Thyroid Function Tests are the different tests conducted to assess and determine the cause of an individual?s thyroid problems.