Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland found at the base of your neck. It’s responsible for producing the thyroid hormone, which is one of the most important hormones that influence how your body functions. An imbalance in thyroid hormone levels can impact many aspects of your body, such as your weight, energy level, mood, bowels, metabolism, bones, and cholesterol levels. It can also affect menstrual cycles in women.
More than 12 percent of Americans have a thyroid condition—but many of them don’t see the signs until it’s too late. You may already have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism and may not even know it.
There are two types of thyroid problems: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism
All kinds of hyperthyroidism are caused by an overproduction of thyroid hormones. This overproduction can happen in several ways:
- Toxic adenomas – Nodules grow in the thyroid gland and secrete thyroid hormones to upset the chemical balance of the body.
- Graves’ disease – Overproduction of thyroid hormone
- Subacute thyroiditis – An acute inflammatory disease caused by a viral infection. The thyroid where the gland ‘leaks’ excess hormones swells up, causing temporary hyperthyroidism for a few weeks or months.
- Cancerous growths or pituitary gland malfunctions – Although rarely, hyperthyroidism may occur because of these reasons.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism. It is characterized by underproduction of the thyroid hormone. Reduced levels of hormone production usually lead to low energy levels. Here are the causes of hypothyroidism:
- Thyroid gland removal – Chemically destroyed or surgically removed.
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – An autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the thyroid tissue, which eventually dies and ceases hormone production.
- Exposure to too much iodine – Sinus and cold medicines, amiodarone (a heart medicine), and certain dyes for X-rays may introduce excessive amounts of iodine to your body and result in a hypothyroid, especially if you have had any thyroid issues before.
- Lithium – Commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, which also inhibits thyroid release. This drug is also known to cause hypothyroidism.
If left untreated for extended periods, the condition could cause myxedema coma. Albeit rare, it’s a potentially fatal condition that calls for immediate hormone treatment.
Signs and symptoms
Most people don’t realize that they have a thyroid problem until they notice an enlargement at the base of their neck, difficulty swallowing, or discomfort. You might want to get yourself checked by a doctor if you experience these signs and symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Intolerance to cold
- Weakness
- Constipation
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Difficulty losing or gaining weight
- Poor appetite
- Dry, rough skin
- Hair loss or coarse hair
- Swelling of the face and eyes
- A hoarse or deeper voice
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
- An enlarged tongue
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Increased blood cholesterol levels
- Slowed mental activity and thinking
- Poor concentration
- Irritability
- Nervousness, agitation, or tremors
- Palpitations
- Reduced menstrual blood flow
- Heat intolerance
- Changes in bowel habits (e.g., more frequent)
- Skin thinning
- Increase in appetite
- Brittle hair
- Sweating
Were you recently diagnosed with a thyroid problem? Are you currently experiencing any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above? If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, please consider reaching out to Solomon Park to donate and help our researchers find advanced cures and medications to treat thyroid conditions.