Located just below the Adam’s apple in the neck, the thyroid 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 the activities of multiple bodies, the thyroid gland’s sole function is to release thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones regulate the entire metabolic process in the body, and therefore a disturbance in it can lead to numerous serious ailments.
If you intend to know the common disorders caused by improper functioning of the thyroid gland, then this article is definitely for you.
Hashimoto’s disease
Commonly known as hypothyroidism, it is a chronic disease that can occur at any age. The condition begins when the body’s immune system destroys the thyroid gland and thus its ability to release thyroid hormone is completely impaired. People with mild cases of hypothyroidism may not show any obvious symptoms, but those with a severe temperament may end up with symptoms such as:
- Constipation
- dry skin, fine hair
- Depression
- Tired
- puffy and pale face
- weight gain
- cold intolerance
- Imbalanced measurement cycle (in women)
- Enlarged thyroid (goiter)
grave’s disease
Named after the doctor who first revealed it, it’s a common form of overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disorder that strikes when the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland and thus results in an overproduction of thyroid hormone. With a high level of thyroid in the bloodstream, the body can show symptoms such as:
- menstrual irregularities
- muscular weakness
- heat intolerance
- excessive sweating
- Tired
- Bulging eyes and inadequate vision.
- Frequent bowel movements or even diarrhea.
- hand tremors
- irregular heartbeat
Preserve
A non-cancerous result of thyroid glans, goiter is common throughout the world and is mainly considered to be a result of iodine deficiency in the body. Goiter can affect any age, but is common in people over 40 years of age. Medical history, pregnancy, radiation exposure and the use of certain medications are the main risk factors for this disease. Mild goiter cases may not reveal any symptoms, while complex goiter cases may present with the following symptoms:
- Tightness/swelling in the neck
- wheezing or coughing
- voice hoarseness
- Difficulty breathing and/or swallowing food
thyroid nodules
Thyroid disorder can also lead to another acute condition known as thyroid nodules. Nodules are the form of growth in or on the thyroid gland. However, the main cause of this disease is unknown, but it is known that it can be cancerous in nature in a small fraction of cases. The risks associated with thyroid nodules may increase with age. Thyroid nodules do not reveal any symptoms, but if they grow large enough, they can cause symptoms such as:
- tremors
- cold and clammy skin
- increased appetite
- high pulse
- nervousness
- weightloss
- Swelling in the neck
- Trouble swallowing and breathing.
- high level of bread
Each thyroid disorder is different, and therefore the treatment options for each differ as well. To ensure that you do not suffer from any major side effects, it is essential to visit a specialist, make a proper diagnosis and follow the treatment.