Thyroid problems are one of the most common conditions that can affect the human body. The thyroid is an endocrine gland and produces essential hormones like thyroxine. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland are very important for the metabolism of the body. Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and tumors are the most common thyroid problems. Symptoms associated with thyroid problems come on slowly and are therefore often misdiagnosed.
Under active thyroid or hypothyroidism is mainly due to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This thyroid problem is commonly found in women. The cause is mistaken identity. In it, the antibodies attack the thyroid gland. Obesity, lack of interest, sensitivity to heat and cold, and memory loss are some of the common symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. People diagnosed with hypothyroidism have low levels of thyroxine. Treatment is mainly in the form of thyroid hormone pills. Medication is often a lifetime commitment, with varying doses.
In hyperthyroidism, the level of thyroxine is very high and is mainly due to Grave’s disease. Middle-aged women are more prone to this thyroid problem. Weight loss, abnormal heartbeat, fatigue, unusual bowel movements, nervousness and irritability are common symptoms. As the symptoms appear late, it is often misdiagnosed. Eye bulge and double vision are symptoms found in some patients. Radioactive iodine is the main treatment given for hyperthyroidism. In this treatment, part of the thyroid gland is destroyed to reduce the amount of thyroxine produced. An underactive thyroid is the main side effect caused by this treatment. Medicines used to treat thyroid problems mainly slow down the activity of the thyroid gland. Medications for hyperthyroidism often have serious side effects.
Thyroid lumps or nodules are mostly harmless. However, some masses are cancerous. A “fine needle aspiration biopsy” performed in the doctor’s office is the most common method used to detect whether a lump is cancerous or not. If the nodule is cancerous, surgical removal is the only option.
