The tiny thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped organ located in the middle of the throat. When this organ malfunctions it produces either too much or too little thyroid hormone. These thyroid hormones, T3 (triiodothyronine) andT4 (thyroxine), are necessary for metabolizing the body and properly regulating the heart, the brain and reproduction. Thyroid disease affects these hormones and their effectiveness.
Hypothyroidism
A patient whose thyroid under performs may be diagnosed with hypothyroidism. This thyroid disease can be signified by a visible lump or goiter seen in the throat area. Goiters can become more pronounced if treatment isn't given soon. Some symptoms of this thyroid disease, hypothyroidism, are sluggishness, dry and rough skin, painful swallowing and weight gain. Hashimoto's disease is a form of hypothyroidism in which the body attacks the thyroid, mistaking it for a virus or foreign tissue. Other types of hypothyroidism are postpartum, acute and silent. Each of these diseases can be treated by prescribing the patient thyroid replacement hormones. Blood tests can determine which of the thyroid hormones are being affected and by what deficit.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a disease in which the thyroid overproduces hormones. This thyroid disease causes the metabolism and body functions to work overtime taking in too much of the hormones. Graves disease is a type of hyperthyroidism. Patients who suffer with Graves don't have the proper pituitary shutoff to stop the production of the thyroid. Graves can be triggered in some patients because of stressful living, smoking and certain types of radiation. This disease is diagnosed by blood tests or nuclear scanning of the throat. People who suffer with this disease often report rapid heartbeat, frequent bowel movements, unexpected weight loss, shakiness and sensitivity to cold. Hypothyroidism is frequently treated with prescription drugs, mainly thyroid hormone blockers like methimazole.
Hypothyroidism
A patient whose thyroid under performs may be diagnosed with hypothyroidism. This thyroid disease can be signified by a visible lump or goiter seen in the throat area. Goiters can become more pronounced if treatment isn't given soon. Some symptoms of this thyroid disease, hypothyroidism, are sluggishness, dry and rough skin, painful swallowing and weight gain. Hashimoto's disease is a form of hypothyroidism in which the body attacks the thyroid, mistaking it for a virus or foreign tissue. Other types of hypothyroidism are postpartum, acute and silent. Each of these diseases can be treated by prescribing the patient thyroid replacement hormones. Blood tests can determine which of the thyroid hormones are being affected and by what deficit.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a disease in which the thyroid overproduces hormones. This thyroid disease causes the metabolism and body functions to work overtime taking in too much of the hormones. Graves disease is a type of hyperthyroidism. Patients who suffer with Graves don't have the proper pituitary shutoff to stop the production of the thyroid. Graves can be triggered in some patients because of stressful living, smoking and certain types of radiation. This disease is diagnosed by blood tests or nuclear scanning of the throat. People who suffer with this disease often report rapid heartbeat, frequent bowel movements, unexpected weight loss, shakiness and sensitivity to cold. Hypothyroidism is frequently treated with prescription drugs, mainly thyroid hormone blockers like methimazole.
Comments
Thanks for the overview!
Great info. Thanks!
Mimi: Great article. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent information.
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