The thyroid is a small gland in the neck just below the Adam’s apple. Its primary function is to produce hormones that influence most of the metabolic functions of the body. Goiter and the three primary categories of problems that can occur are described below with more information on individual pages reached using the links above.
Goiter, when the thyroid enlarges for any reason it is described as a goiter. There can be many causes but it is usually not a cancerous tumor nor an infectious inflammation but rather a result of one of the conditions described below.
Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid, this can significantly accelerate the body's metabolism, causing sudden weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, and nervousness or irritability. Symptoms can include insomnia, anxiety, irritability, bulging eyes, weakness in arms/legs, shaky hands, frequent bowel movements, weight loss, racing heart beat, premature grey hair, lighter menstrual flow, less frequent periods. Various forms of hyperthyroidism include:
• Graves' disease - This is also an autoimmune disorder wherein there is too much production of the thyroid hormone. It is more prevalent among females and is the most common thyroid disorder among children and adolescents.
• Toxic adenomas - Over activity may also come from nodules forming that secrete excess thyroid hormone or an inflammation may occur that causes the gland to “leak” the excess. Goiters that form may contain several nodules.
• Subacute thyroiditis – This is a temporary inflammation of the thyroid that causes excess hormones and is usually temporary lasting a few weeks to a few months.
Hypothyroidism, an under active thyroid, not producing sufficient hormones may lead to obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease. This disorder is most common among women, over 50. The unbalance in the body from an under active thyroid can develop slowly and initially be unnoticed but left unattended over time can lead to more serious situations. Symptoms can include tiredness, depression, lack of concentration, feeling cold, constipation, muscle cramps, weight gain, increased menstrual flow, more frequent periods, itchy skin, thinning hair. Causes of hypothyroidism are identified as:
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – This is an autoimmune disease wherein the body attacks the tissue of the thyroid. The resulting inflammation and damage to the tissue results in reduced amounts or cessation of the hormones normally generated by the thyroid. This is the most common of hypothyroid disorders and occurs primarily in middle aged females but is also seen in men and children.
• Thyroid removal – The thyroid may be surgically or chemically removed to correct hyperthyroidism and hormonal balance must be achieved by other means.
• Iodine exposure – Exposure to excessive amounts of iodine and damage thyroidal tissue and result in hypothyroidism. Iodine can come from many medications for heart, cold, and sinus conditions as well as those use for some X-ray procedures.
Thyroid nodules themselves may form. They may be solid or fluid filled lumps that form within the thyroid. Most nodules are not serious and may even go unnoticed. Small percentages are cancerous and require serious attention.
