The thyroid is a gland in the back of your neck that produces a hormone that regulates your metabolism. This hormone also has an effect on your muscles, bone structure, heart and cholesterol levels. If your thyroid is not functioning properly, it can lead to a number of problems. There are two issues related to thyroid dysfunction: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid produces too much hormone, and hypothyroidism occurs when not enough is produced.
Hyperthyroidism
The most common causes of hyperthyroidism are Graves disease and thyroiditis. Graves disease is when the body produces too many thyroid autoantibodies which overstimulates the thyroid and causes it to react by producing excess amounts of its hormone. Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid and is usually caused by an infection. When people have thyroiditis, they may notice that their neck is swollen.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include an increased appetite, weight loss and digestive issues. It is also common for people to experience excessive sweating, nervousness, problems concentrating and high blood pressure. Other symptoms can include a rapid pulse rate, irregular menstruation, hair loss and heart palpitations.
Hypothyroidism
Unlike hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid overproduces its hormone, hypothyroidism is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormone. This is most often caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis, where the immune system attacks the thyroid, preventing it from producing enough of its hormone. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is usually hereditary, and is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Other causes include iodine deficiencies and viral infections.
People who have hypothyroidism are likely to experience weight gain and retain water. They are also likely to feel weak, tired all of the time and become increasingly sensitive to cold temperatures. Depression, hair loss, brittle fingernails and heavy menstruation are also signs of this condition.
Testing and Treatment
The standard test for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism is a blood test. Doctors will check for levels of the hormone and the thyroid stimulating hormone in people's blood. Excess amounts of the thyroid stimulating hormone usually indicate hypothyroidism as the body is trying to increase hormone production. High amounts of the thyroid hormone are usually signs of hyperthyroidism since the body is producing too much.
The most common treatment for these issues are thyroid hormone inhibitors or replacements. Most people who have these conditions will have to continue treatment throughout the rest of their lives, but once identified, they are easy to manage.
Peter Wendt is a writer from Austin, Texas. He recently visited the doctor and discovered he had a thyroid problem, and has since received treatment and now feels better than ever. If you think you may have a thyroid issue, Peter recommends Austin Wellness for diagnosis and treatment.
Hyperthyroidism
The most common causes of hyperthyroidism are Graves disease and thyroiditis. Graves disease is when the body produces too many thyroid autoantibodies which overstimulates the thyroid and causes it to react by producing excess amounts of its hormone. Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid and is usually caused by an infection. When people have thyroiditis, they may notice that their neck is swollen.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include an increased appetite, weight loss and digestive issues. It is also common for people to experience excessive sweating, nervousness, problems concentrating and high blood pressure. Other symptoms can include a rapid pulse rate, irregular menstruation, hair loss and heart palpitations.
Hypothyroidism
Unlike hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid overproduces its hormone, hypothyroidism is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormone. This is most often caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis, where the immune system attacks the thyroid, preventing it from producing enough of its hormone. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is usually hereditary, and is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Other causes include iodine deficiencies and viral infections.
People who have hypothyroidism are likely to experience weight gain and retain water. They are also likely to feel weak, tired all of the time and become increasingly sensitive to cold temperatures. Depression, hair loss, brittle fingernails and heavy menstruation are also signs of this condition.
Testing and Treatment
The standard test for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism is a blood test. Doctors will check for levels of the hormone and the thyroid stimulating hormone in people's blood. Excess amounts of the thyroid stimulating hormone usually indicate hypothyroidism as the body is trying to increase hormone production. High amounts of the thyroid hormone are usually signs of hyperthyroidism since the body is producing too much.
The most common treatment for these issues are thyroid hormone inhibitors or replacements. Most people who have these conditions will have to continue treatment throughout the rest of their lives, but once identified, they are easy to manage.
Peter Wendt is a writer from Austin, Texas. He recently visited the doctor and discovered he had a thyroid problem, and has since received treatment and now feels better than ever. If you think you may have a thyroid issue, Peter recommends Austin Wellness for diagnosis and treatment.
