Common Thyroid Problems and Diseases You Should Know About

Generally, the thyroid gland is a key gland commonly located on your neck just below the center of your throat. It is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism in your body. However, several concerns can arise and affect your thyroid gland’s functioning by making it produce too little or too many hormones. As a result, you might begin experiencing symptoms such as weight loss, irritability, fatigue, or even weight gain. Therefore, if you begin experiencing any of the above symptoms of thyroid imbalances Bastrop, you can make an effort and seek therapies to help your thyroid function normally, thus providing relief. Examples of thyroid concerns include:

Hyperthyroidism

In most cases, hyperthyroidism is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland that produces excess thyroid hormone. As a result, the functioning of your body is speeded up. The most common causes of hyperthyroidism are Graves’ disease and nodular goiter. It can also be caused by too much consumption of iodine, thyroid inflammation, overactive thyroid nodules, and noncancerous pituitary gland tumor. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include anxiety, restlessness, irritability, thin skin, nervousness, and trouble sleeping.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism, where your thyroid gland is underactive and produces less thyroid hormone. As a result, the functioning of your body slows down. The main causes of hypothyroidism are radiation therapy and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Other causes include iodine deficiency, thyroiditis, pituitary gland disorders, congenital hypothyroidism, and certain medications for cancer, heart, and bipolar disorders. Common symptoms include constipation, fatigue, depression, slow heart rate, memory problem, weight gain, and increased sensitivity to colds, among many others.

Goiter

Goiter is usually classified as a noncancerous thyroid gland enlargement commonly caused by iodine deficiency. However, goiter can also be caused by congenital hypothyroidism, Graves disease, thyroiditis, and pituitary gland tumors. Common symptoms of goiter include a hoarse voice, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, swelling in your neck, and coughing.

Thyroid nodules

Thyroid nodules are growths in your thyroid gland and are more common in women than in men. In most cases, the causes of thyroid nodules are unknown but are commonly associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and iodine deficiency. The condition is characterized by a fluid-filled or solid gland. Common signs and symptoms of thyroid nodules are nervousness, high pulse rate, shaking, weight loss, and clammy skin. In other cases, if the nodules do not overproduce or underproduce thyroid hormone, you might present with hair loss, fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and increased sensitivity to cold temperatures.

Graves’ disease

It is an autoimmune disorder when your body produces antibodies against your thyroid gland. As a result, it causes your gland to overproduce thyroid hormone. Common symptoms of Graves’ disease include fatigue, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, hand tremors, excessive sweating, and fatigue.

There is no need to bear the symptoms caused by thyroid disorders because treatments currently aim to provide symptomatic relief and promote comfort. The treatments help restore the normal functioning of your thyroid glands, which produce the required thyroid hormone levels. Therefore, if you have any of the above thyroid disorders, you can consult thyroid specialists such as Pompeyo C Chavez, MD, who offer various solutions such as stress management, medications, dietary improvement, nutritional support, and supplements depending on your condition.