The tiny butterfly gland that lies in the front of the neck just beneath the Adam’s apple can sometimes malfunction during middle age. The thyroid is controlled by the pituitary gland which is also known as the ‘leader’ of the endocrine system. This gland is located at the base of the neck. It monitors and controls action from the other glands.
Iodine is necessary for production of the thyroid hormone. For the gland to work properly, depends on iodine found in
foods such as seafood, bread, and water.
If the thyroid becomes enlarged, this is known as a goiter. If a
diet is low in iodine, the pituitary will send repeated messages to the thyroid. In effort to create more hormones, the goiter will become
larger.
Under active thyroid
When the thyroid produces below normal amounts of hormones, it
results in under
activity or hypothyroidism, which
causes metabolism to slow down. A common cause of an under
active thyroid is Hashimoto’s disease, which
is an immune
disease that attacks the thyroid.
symptoms might include:
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Abnormal menstrual cycles
- Low libido
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Constipation
- Goiters
Over active thyroid
Excessive thyroid hormones can indicate over
activity or hyperthyroidism, which
causes the
metabolism to speed up. A common cause is also known as Graves’s disease. This condition provokes the thyroid uncontrollably. Often
bulging eyes persist with Grave’s disease.
symptoms include:
- Weight loss
- Nervousness and anxiety
- Rapid pulse
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty sleeping
- Intolerance to heat
- Diarrhea
- Bulging eyes
- Goiters
Diagnoses and treatment
An endocrinologist will be able to determine by a simple blood
test if you have an under
active or over
active thyroid. Your physician will be able to decide by a thorough explanation of
symptoms whether your
thyroid is hypo or hyper. Antibodies in the blood will verify Grave’s or Hashimoto’s disease. A form of hormone replacement called thyroxine will be given to
control under activity. Over
activity can be treated with anti-thyroid drugs or radioactive iodine. Anti- thyroid
medication is used most often because it works much more quickly than radioactive iodine therapy. This drug is also used if you’re pregnant or nursing.
Additional problems include
- Nodules, which are also known as lumps in the thyroid. A very small percent can become cancerous.
- Thyroid cancer – Although highly uncommon, if detected in time, can be treated successfully.