Everything You Need to Know About Every Thyroid Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
Our hormones can be difficult to deal with at times, but it is because of them that our
different bodily systems have the ability to talk to each other.
With that said, you may or may not know the symptoms associated with thyroid disorders.
They are the most dominant of the endocrine disorders.
These types of disorders are the direct cause of the dysfunction of the hormone messengers,
and Hypothyroidism which affects 4.6% of the US population, and hyperthyroidism which impacts
1.2% are the most common, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive
and Kidney Diseases.
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What Is Hypothyroidism: According to the Mayo Clinic, this disorder means that your thyroid
gland is barely active and there is not enough of the thyroid hormone in the blood.
Hypothyroidism is also called underactive thyroid or low thyroid, and is classified
as a disorder of the endocrine system in a person's thyroid gland.
It occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
This results in a number of different symptoms.
The symptoms can vary from person to person, but one clear signal is the ability to lose
weight.
Women who are over the age of 60 are much more likely to develop hypothyroidism, which
upsets the balance of chemical reactions in a person's body.
There are rarely ever symptoms that show in the early stages of hypothyroidism, but over
time and if left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause an assortment of various different
health issues.
These health issues include obesity, infertility, joint pain, and heart disease.
There are, however, all sorts of accurate thyroid function tests which can diagnose
hypothyroidism, and treatment is very safe and effective.
With low thyroid hormone in the blood, many of the body’s systems slow down.
So another symptom according to the Mayo Clinic, would be a lack of energy, sluggish and becoming
tired very easily.
If your body doesn’t have a working metabolism, which slows down with this disorder, the body
temperature is affected and people become cold.
A slow metabolism can also lead to constipation, which is another telltale symptom.
Depending on the severity of the hypothyroidism, symptoms develop extremely slowly and usually
over a number of years.
Symptoms such as fatigue and weight gain are not noticeable at first, but as a person's
metabolism continues to slow down, more obvious symptoms of hyperthyroidism become noticeable.
These symptoms include increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, fatigue,
muscle weakness, and more.
You may also notice that you have thinning hair, a slowed heart rate, or even impaired
memory.
Untreated hypothyroidism can result in symptoms which become more and more severe over time,
leading to an enlarged thyroid, forgetfulness, or even depression.
Advanced hypothyroidism is known as myxedema.
Myxedema is very rare, but can actually be life threatening.
Symptoms include decreased breathing, decreased body temperature, low blood pressure, and
unresponsiveness.
In some very extreme cases, myxedema can actually even be fatal.
Hypothyroidism can also occur in infants.
Newborns with hypothyroidism may experience symptoms which include yellowing of the skin
and in the whites of their eyes (known as jaundice).
Jaundice occurs when a baby's liver is unable to metabolize the substance bilirubin, which
forms when a person's body recycles damaged or old red blood cells.
Other symptoms include a large tongue, a puffy face, and frequent choking.
As hypothyroidism progresses, infants may also have trouble feeding and may experience
development issues.
They may also experience constipation and excessive sleepiness.
Untreated hypothyroidism in infants can also lead to intellectual and physical disabilities
if left untreated.
Hypothyroidism in children and teens may also cause delayed puberty, poor mental development,
delayed development of permanent teeth, poor growth, and more.
Interesting, right?
Well, keep watching for more information on hyperthyroidism, another common thyroid disorder
which people all over the world suffer from today.
Hyperthyroidism: This thyroid disorder is the total opposite of hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism means that there is too much thyroid hormone in the blood, says WebMD.
Also different is how it affects the metabolism, unlike hypothyroidism this disorder speeds
up the metabolism.
Those who experience hyperthyroidism will feel very anxious, nervous and irritated because
their system is on hyper drive, says WebMD.
This may also cause people to have trouble sleeping and may also experience muscle weakness.
There are many different treatment options available to those who have hyperthyroidism,
such as anti thyroid medication and radioactive iodine which slow down the production of thyroid
hormones.
Some cases may require surgery to remove the thyroid gland.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are similar to many other health problems, which can make
it difficult for doctors to diagnose.
These symptoms include sudden weight loss, rapid heartbeat, increased sensitivity to
heat, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, muscle weakness, and more.
Older adults may not show signs or symptoms.
A common problem associated with hyperthyroidism is a disorder called graves’ ophthalmopathy
which makes a person's eyeballs protrude beyond their protective orbits.
This happens because the tissues and muscles behind a person's eyes swell.
Other signs of graves’ ophthalmopathy include red or swollen eyes, light sensitivity, blurry
or double vision, or excessive tearing or discomfort in one or both eyes.
Cause of Thyroid Disorders: The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is graves' disease,
which is an autoimmune disorder and the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
It causes antibodies to stimulate a person's thyroid, making it secrete excess amounts
of the hormone.
Graves’ disease is much more common among women than it is in men, and is usually genetic.
Other causes of hyperthyroidism are tumors in the ovaries, benign tumors of the thyroid
or pituitary gland, excess iodine, large amount of tetraiodothyronine which are taken through
medication or supplements, and more.
In some cases, these disorders are due to the body’s immune system mistaking thyroid
glands cells and their enzymes as attackers to the system.
This type of hypothyroidism disease is called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Hyperthyroidism can be caused by the development of nodules on the thyroid that will grow and
increase the input of the thyroid hormone, explains WebMD.
How to Detect and Treat These Disorders: If you or someone you know is developing symptoms
that were mentioned above, doctors will conduct blood work to confirm if the thyroid hormones
are within range.
The Mayo Clinic explains that the treatment for thyroid disorders normally includes the
prescription of a synthetic hormone called levothyroxine.
Also, anti-thyroid drugs that block production of your own thyroid hormones may also be used.
Certain key factors that play a big role include leaky gut, diet, toxins, infection, and stress.
So if practitioners suspect the disorder may be autoimmune in nature, than food sensitivities,
especially gluten, and digestion are looked at, according to the Mayo Clinic.
In order to function properly, the thyroid needs several key nutrients.
So it is possible that addressing nutrient deficiencies, such as selenium and zinc, may
be a factor in treatment.
Other hormones, like cortisol and the sex hormones, should also be tested due to the
integrated nature of the endocrine system, says the Mayo Clinic.
In order for healing to begin while being treated, it is essential to address the root
causes that could be at play.
A doctor can help evaluate your current condition and give you professional advice about your
health in the event that you are diagnosed with a condition or disorder.
Most symptoms associated with thyroid disorders are very slow and gradual.
You may not notice the symptoms at first.
This is why it is important to monitor your health, and the moment you start to notice
symptoms like extreme fatigue, excessive weight gain or loss, dry skin, puffy eyes, and / or
a pale face, consult with your doctor to rule out any thyroid disorders.
If you are diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, your doctor will put you on a course of treatment
to minimize your symptoms.
Of course, you should also make sure to maintain a healthy lifestyle which includes exercise
and a nutrient rich diet.
If you need help determining how to incorporate healthy foods and / or exercise into your
new routine, consult with a professional to ensure you are doing it the right way, particularly
if you are a senior or already have certain medical conditions.
Do you have any experiences with thyroid disorders?
Tell us about it in the comments section below!
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