Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsHormones and FunctionCausesDiagnosisTreatmentOutlookNext in Thyroid Disease GuideThyroid Disease Symptoms: Signs of Thyroid Problems
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Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Hormones and Function
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Outlook
Next in Thyroid Disease Guide
Thethyroidis a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the base of the neck. It is part of theendocrine systemand releases hormones that affect metabolism, brain development, and bone maintenance.
When the thyroid over- or underproduces vital hormones, it can lead to a host of different health issues because of how the body relies on these hormones for various functions.
This article discusses types ofthyroid disease, their associated symptoms, and what treatment options are available.
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Types of Thyroid Disease
There are several types of thyroid disease, each of which impacts the production of vital hormones that lead tohypo-andhyperthyroidism.
Types of thyroid disease include:
Is Thyroid Disease Curable?Certain thyroid diseases can be cured, such as thyroid cancer. However, in some cases, a person can restore their thyroid to proper functioning levels with medication, but they may be required to take it regularly to maintain thyroid function.
Is Thyroid Disease Curable?
Certain thyroid diseases can be cured, such as thyroid cancer. However, in some cases, a person can restore their thyroid to proper functioning levels with medication, but they may be required to take it regularly to maintain thyroid function.
Hypothyroidism Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know
Thyroid Disease Symptoms
Symptoms will vary depending on whether your thyroid creates too much or too little of the hormones the body needs. The general symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
The symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism are:
First Signs of Thyroid DiseaseA person with thyroid disease may not immediately experience all the symptoms mentioned above. The first signs of thyroid disease that should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider include:FatigueWeight gain or loss without diet or exercise changesA slowed or increased heart rateIncreased sensitivity to temperature
First Signs of Thyroid Disease
A person with thyroid disease may not immediately experience all the symptoms mentioned above. The first signs of thyroid disease that should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider include:FatigueWeight gain or loss without diet or exercise changesA slowed or increased heart rateIncreased sensitivity to temperature
A person with thyroid disease may not immediately experience all the symptoms mentioned above. The first signs of thyroid disease that should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider include:
How to Tell the Difference Between Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
In Women
Women are far more likely to develop thyroid disease than men, which can lead to health consequences affecting theirmenstrual periodsand fertility. The symptoms of thyroid disease may also mimicmenopause.
The signs in women can differ depending on whether their thyroid is making too many or too few hormones.However, symptoms that affect sexual health can occur during both hypo- and hyperthyroidism.
HypothyroidismIncreased sensitivity to coldConstipationMuscle weaknessWeight gain without increasing calorie intakeMuscle and joint painLow mood and increased feelings of depression or sadnessExtreme tirednessPale and dry skinDry and thinning hairA slower heart rate than usualLess sweating than usualPuffiness in the faceHoarse voiceHeavier menstrual periodsIncreased bad cholesterolChanges to sex drive (libido)Pain during sexual intercourseImpaired ability to become arousedHyperthyroidismIncreased sensitivity to heatAn increase in the number of bowel movements per day or diarrheaWeight lossAn increase in appetite with a higher caloric intakeIncreased feelings of anxiety or nervousnessIrritabilitySleep disturbancesTrembling in the hands and fingersAn irregular or rapid heartbeat or feeling as though your heart is pounding in your chestMuscle weaknessEye changes, including irritation, redness, or eye bulgingMissed or fewer menstrual periods with lighter bleedingSweating more than usualChanges to sex drive (libido)Pain during sexual intercourseImpaired ability to become aroused
HypothyroidismIncreased sensitivity to coldConstipationMuscle weaknessWeight gain without increasing calorie intakeMuscle and joint painLow mood and increased feelings of depression or sadnessExtreme tirednessPale and dry skinDry and thinning hairA slower heart rate than usualLess sweating than usualPuffiness in the faceHoarse voiceHeavier menstrual periodsIncreased bad cholesterolChanges to sex drive (libido)Pain during sexual intercourseImpaired ability to become aroused
Increased sensitivity to cold
Constipation
Muscle weakness
Weight gain without increasing calorie intake
Muscle and joint pain
Low mood and increased feelings of depression or sadness
Extreme tiredness
Pale and dry skin
Dry and thinning hair
A slower heart rate than usual
Less sweating than usual
Puffiness in the face
Hoarse voice
Heavier menstrual periods
Increased bad cholesterol
Changes to sex drive (libido)
Pain during sexual intercourse
Impaired ability to become aroused
HyperthyroidismIncreased sensitivity to heatAn increase in the number of bowel movements per day or diarrheaWeight lossAn increase in appetite with a higher caloric intakeIncreased feelings of anxiety or nervousnessIrritabilitySleep disturbancesTrembling in the hands and fingersAn irregular or rapid heartbeat or feeling as though your heart is pounding in your chestMuscle weaknessEye changes, including irritation, redness, or eye bulgingMissed or fewer menstrual periods with lighter bleedingSweating more than usualChanges to sex drive (libido)Pain during sexual intercourseImpaired ability to become aroused
Increased sensitivity to heat
An increase in the number of bowel movements per day or diarrhea
Weight loss
An increase in appetite with a higher caloric intake
Increased feelings of anxiety or nervousness
Irritability
Sleep disturbances
Trembling in the hands and fingers
An irregular or rapid heartbeat or feeling as though your heart is pounding in your chest
Eye changes, including irritation, redness, or eye bulging
Missed or fewer menstrual periods with lighter bleeding
Sweating more than usual
Fertility and Pregnancy Challenges With Thyroid Disease
In Men
Thyroid disease is less common in men. That said, they experience the typical symptoms of hypo- or hyperthyroidism mentioned above if it does develop.
Often, thyroid disease can negatively affect men’s sex hormones. When that happens, it can lead to symptoms such as:
Secondary Complications of Thyroid DiseaseBoth hypo- and hyperthyroidism can cause secondary complications, including:Blood clotsStrokeHeart failureOphthalmopathy (Graves’ disease eye complications)Osteoporosis(thinning bones from loss of bone mass and bone mineral density)InfertilityHigh cholesterolMyxedema coma(life-threatening slowing of the body’s functions)
Secondary Complications of Thyroid Disease
Both hypo- and hyperthyroidism can cause secondary complications, including:Blood clotsStrokeHeart failureOphthalmopathy (Graves’ disease eye complications)Osteoporosis(thinning bones from loss of bone mass and bone mineral density)InfertilityHigh cholesterolMyxedema coma(life-threatening slowing of the body’s functions)
Both hypo- and hyperthyroidism can cause secondary complications, including:
Abnormal Thyroid Levels: What Does the Thyroid Control?
The thyroid produces the following three hormones, each of which play a role in several bodily processes:
These hormones are also crucial for the following processes:
Calcitonin plays a role in bone metabolism, which is the rate at which bones break down and are rebuilt.
Thyroid Disease Causes
There are several causes associated with thyroid disease and hypo- and hyperthyroidism.
Some causes of hypothyroidism include:
Causes of hyperthyroidism include:
Risk Factors Associated With Thyroid DiseaseThere are several risk factors associated with the development of thyroid disease, including:Family history or personal history of previous thyroid diseaseRadiation treatment of the thyroid, neck, or chestBeing over the age of 60Other health conditions or disorders such as B12 deficiency, type 1 or 2 diabetes, primary adrenal insufficiency (hormone disorder), and Turner syndromeHaving too much iodine in the dietUsing medications with iodineSmokingRecent pregnancy (within six months)Having post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Risk Factors Associated With Thyroid Disease
There are several risk factors associated with the development of thyroid disease, including:Family history or personal history of previous thyroid diseaseRadiation treatment of the thyroid, neck, or chestBeing over the age of 60Other health conditions or disorders such as B12 deficiency, type 1 or 2 diabetes, primary adrenal insufficiency (hormone disorder), and Turner syndromeHaving too much iodine in the dietUsing medications with iodineSmokingRecent pregnancy (within six months)Having post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
There are several risk factors associated with the development of thyroid disease, including:
15 Ways to Keep Your Thyroid Healthy
Testing for Thyroid Disease
Early on in thyroid disease, the symptoms are so general that it can be challenging to determine if you’re experiencing thyroid problems or something else. To get an accurate diagnosis, healthcare providers useblood teststo measure the levels of thyroid and thyroid-stimulating hormones.
Other diagnostic tools may be used, such as:
Can You Check Your Thyroid Yourself?
While it’s not possible to check your thyroid for excess hormone production at home, you can perform an exam on yourself to see if there are any abnormal masses or lumps in the neck that may be contributing to the problem.
Performing a Thyroid Check at HomeGather a handheld mirror and a glass of water. To perform the examination yourself, you will:Hold the mirror in front of you, focusing on your neck above the collarbones but below your voice box.Tip your head backward while still maintaining focus on the mirror.Take a drink of water and watch your neck as you swallow to look for abnormal bulges in the area.
Performing a Thyroid Check at Home
Gather a handheld mirror and a glass of water. To perform the examination yourself, you will:Hold the mirror in front of you, focusing on your neck above the collarbones but below your voice box.Tip your head backward while still maintaining focus on the mirror.Take a drink of water and watch your neck as you swallow to look for abnormal bulges in the area.
Gather a handheld mirror and a glass of water. To perform the examination yourself, you will:
Thyroid Disease Treatment
There are severaltreatment optionsavailable for people with thyroid disease. Therapies include medications and natural treatments. Healthcare providers will want to alleviate the symptoms while restoring thyroid hormone levels. If there are growths or nodules, reducing their size will also be a part of the treatment plan.
The therapies a healthcare provider chooses will depend on the person’s needs and whether they have hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Medications for hypothyroidism increase the production of thyroid hormones to help correct the underproducing gland. They include:
Medications for hyperthyroidism have the opposite effect and aim to reduce thyroid hormones. Options include:
Combination Medications for Thyroid DiseaseSometimes, a combination of medicines will be used for the best possible results. A common combinational approach utilizes liothyronine (a synthetic T3) alongside levothyroxine, iodine, andselenium.It is important to note that taking selenium may cause an overcorrection, leading to hyperthyroidism in some rare cases.
Combination Medications for Thyroid Disease
Sometimes, a combination of medicines will be used for the best possible results. A common combinational approach utilizes liothyronine (a synthetic T3) alongside levothyroxine, iodine, andselenium.It is important to note that taking selenium may cause an overcorrection, leading to hyperthyroidism in some rare cases.
Thyroid Medications
Natural treatments for hypo- or hyperthyroidism can help restore the thyroid gland’s proper function. Sometimes, hypothyroidism and its symptoms can be helped withproper supplementation. For example, since iodine deficiency can lead to an underactive thyroid, supplementing with trace minerals may aid in restoring adequate levels of thyroid hormones.
Other possible alternative treatments for hypothyroidism include:
Research has shown that for hyperthyroidism, some possible effective natural remedies include:
Stress and Thyroid DiseaseManaging your stress levels during treatment, regardless of whether you have hypo- or hyperthyroidism, is vital because the stress hormone cortisol can interfere with the function of the thyroid, leading to worsened symptoms.Some stress management techniques include:Exercises such as yoga, Pilates, or walkingMeditation and mindfulnessCognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of talk therapyTai chiArt therapy
Stress and Thyroid Disease
Managing your stress levels during treatment, regardless of whether you have hypo- or hyperthyroidism, is vital because the stress hormone cortisol can interfere with the function of the thyroid, leading to worsened symptoms.Some stress management techniques include:Exercises such as yoga, Pilates, or walkingMeditation and mindfulnessCognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of talk therapyTai chiArt therapy
Managing your stress levels during treatment, regardless of whether you have hypo- or hyperthyroidism, is vital because the stress hormone cortisol can interfere with the function of the thyroid, leading to worsened symptoms.Some stress management techniques include:
Treating thyroid disease is crucial because, without it, the condition can lead to other, possibly severe health complications, including cardiovascular disease or central nervous system and peripheral nerve damage.
How to Reduce Swelling From Thyroid Eye DiseaseWhen thyroid disease causes eye swelling, it can be challenging to cope with the symptom. However, there are ways to combat it at home, such as:Elevating your head while you sleepTaking selenium supplements (for mild swelling)Speaking to a healthcare provider about possible inflammation-hindering medications, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants
How to Reduce Swelling From Thyroid Eye Disease
When thyroid disease causes eye swelling, it can be challenging to cope with the symptom. However, there are ways to combat it at home, such as:Elevating your head while you sleepTaking selenium supplements (for mild swelling)Speaking to a healthcare provider about possible inflammation-hindering medications, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants
When thyroid disease causes eye swelling, it can be challenging to cope with the symptom. However, there are ways to combat it at home, such as:
5-Day Meal Plan for People With Hypothyroidism
Outlook for Thyroid Disease
Thyroid disease is a highly treatable condition. While it is not always severe, it can be if left untreated for too long. With a wide array of therapies available, the best thing a person can do for their thyroid disorder is to speak to a healthcare provider at the first sign of symptoms.
It will be easier to treat the faster you seek treatment. Since some complications associated with untreated thyroid disease are severe, it’s always better to seek diagnosis and treatment early on.
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