The thyroid gland produces hormones that affect the body’s metabolic processes. Overproduction of hormones is hyperthyroidism, while producing too little is hypothyroidism. Symptoms include weight problems, abnormal energy levels, and difficulty regulating body temperature. Diagnosis is through blood tests and treatment involves antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, or hormone replacement. Women are more prone to thyroid problems, but most conditions can be managed successfully.
The body’s metabolic processes are influenced by the thyroid gland and the hormones it produces. The thyroid is part of the endocrine system. Thyroid problems or disorders arise when the thyroid gland functions improperly, most commonly by producing too little or too much thyroid hormone.
Overproduction of hormones by the thyroid is referred to as hyperthyroidism, while producing too little hormones is hypothyroidism. The result is that the body uses energy too quickly or too slowly, which can cause weight problems, difficulty regulating body temperature, and abnormal energy levels. While some thyroid problems can be serious, most cause symptoms that are uncomfortable but not life-threatening and can be easily managed and treated.
Thyroid problems that can be caused by hyperthyroidism include Grave’s disease, toxic adenomas, acute thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer rarely develops, but it can be more serious than other thyroid problems caused by an overactive thyroid. In most cases, inflammation, goiter, and other problems arise from excess hormones rushing into the body, but they rarely become cancerous.
In contrast to thyroid problems caused by an overactive thyroid, an overactive thyroid can be the result of an autoimmune disease, excessive iodide exposure, or surgical absence of the thyroid gland. Without the proper levels of thyroid hormones, a person can become lethargic due to decreased energy levels. In children, hypothyroidism can cause stunted growth and improper development.
Proper diagnosis and treatment of thyroid problems is essential to managing the symptoms and the conditions they may cause. People with hyperthyroidism are typically treated with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, or surgery. Conversely, people with hypothyroidism are typically treated with hormone replacement in the form of synthetic hormones.
Thyroid problems are diagnosed by blood tests, usually after a few symptoms that indicate a problem. People with a history of thyroid problems are more prone to developing certain conditions and should have their hormone levels monitored regularly. Women are more likely than men to have thyroid problems, but with proper medical diagnosis and treatment, most conditions can be managed successfully.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
