THROID

In the front of the neck, right below the Adam’s apple, the thyroid is a tiny, butterfly-shaped gland. By creating hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development, it is essential in controlling a number of body processes. Different thyroid illnesses can result from thyroid gland dysfunction.

Types of thyroid disorders are:

1. Hypothyrodism: When the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, hypothyroidism develops. Fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, depression, and dry skin are typical symptoms.
2. Hyperthyrodism: Thyroid hormone production by the thyroid gland is overactive in this disease. Weight loss, an accelerated heartbeat, agitation, nervousness, heat intolerance, and shaky hands are among the symptoms that may be present.
3. Thyroid Nodules: These lumps or growths on the thyroid gland are abnormal. Although most nodules are benign, some of them may be malignant. A mass in the neck, problems swallowing, and voice changes are possible symptoms.
4. Thyroid Cancer: Thyroid cancer is a relatively uncommon type of the disease. A lump or swelling in the neck, pain in the throat or neck, trouble swallowing, and hoarseness are possible symptoms.

CAUSES OF THYROID

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the two primary forms of thyroid illness. Both problems can be brought on by other illnesses that affect the thyroid gland’s functionality.

          Conditions that can cause hypothyroidism include:

1. Thyroiditis:  The thyroid gland is swollen and inflamed in this syndrome. Your thyroid’s ability to generate hormones can be reduced by thyroiditis.
2. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a non-painful autoimmune illness in which the thyroid is attacked and harmed by the body’s cells. This illness is inherited.
3. Postpartum thyroiditis: Between 5% and 9% of women get this illness after giving delivery. It normally only lasts a short while.
4.  Iodine deficiency: The thyroid uses iodine to make hormones. Around the world, many million people suffer from an iodine shortage.
5.  A non-functioning thyroid gland: Occasionally, the thyroid gland is underactive from birth. About 1 in 4,000 neonates are impacted by this. The youngster may have physical and mental problems in the future if untreated. In the hospital, a screening blood test is administered to all infants to check their thyroid function.

      Conditions that can cause hyperthyroidism include:

1. Graves’ disease: In this ailment, the thyroid gland as a whole may be overactive and release an excessive amount of hormone. The term diffuse toxic goitre (enlarged thyroid gland) is another name for this issue.
2.  Nodules: Thyroid nodules that are hyperactive might result in hyperthyroidism. A goiter with several nodules is referred to as a toxic multi-nodular thyroid nodule, whereas a single lesion is known as a toxic autonomously functioning thyroid nodule.
3. Thyroiditis: This condition might cause pain or no symptoms at all. The thyroid releases hormones that were kept there when it has thyroiditis. This may continue for several weeks or months.
4.  Excessive iodine: The thyroid produces more thyroid hormones than it need when there is an excess of the mineral iodine in the body. Cough syrups and some drugs, such as the heart medication amiodarone, contain excessive iodine.

Symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can include:

1. Experiencing anxiety, irritability and nervousness.
2. Having trouble sleeping.
3. Losing weight.
4. Having an enlarged thyroid gland or a goiter.
5. Having muscle weakness and tremors.
6. Experiencing irregular menstrual periods or having your menstrual cycle stop.
7. Feeling sensitive to heat.
8. Having vision problems or eye irritation.

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can include:

1. Feeling tired (fatigue).
2. Gaining weight.
3. Experiencing forgetfulness.
4. Having frequent and heavy menstrual periods.
5. Having dry and coarse hair.
6. Having a hoarse voice.
7. Experiencing intolerance to cold temperatures.