The thyroid is one of the most important glands in the body and is located below one’s Adam’s apple. It is responsible for performing key functions in the body and disorders affecting it may accelerate or retard metabolic rate, triggering different kinds of symptoms.
The excess production or under-production of the thyroid hormones is controlled by a pea-sized gland called the pituitary gland. This produces the TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone that makes the gland secrete thyroid hormone. So, when any of these hormones are overproduced or under-produced, thyroid diseases can occur. This article gives an overview of thyroid diseases and talks about its causes, symptoms, and types.
Causes, symptoms, and types of thyroid diseases
Causes
- Autoimmune diseases where the immune system starts to attack the body — this can cause hyperthyroidism triggered by Grave’s Disease or hypothyroidism, triggered by Hashimoto’s disease.
- Iodine deficiency in the body
- Thyroid inflammation because of some bacteria or virus nodules, or non-cancerous lumps inside the gland
- Cancerous tumors inside the gland
- Medical treatments like thyroid surgery, radiation, some medicines, and genetic disorders
Symptoms
The symptoms of hypothyroidism are as follows:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Hoarse voice
- Frequent, heavy menstrual periods
- Forgetfulness
- Weight gain
The symptoms for hyperthyroidism are as follows:
- Muscle weakness
- Weight loss
- Enlarged gland
- Sleep problems
- Vision problems
- Scant menstrual periods
- Nervousness and irritability
- Heat sensitivity
Types of thyroid disease
Hyperthyroidism: This happens when the gland produces excess hormones and it accelerates the heart rate and metabolism.
Hypothyroidism: This is very common and occurs because of insufficient thyroid hormones; it can remain undiagnosed for years.
Thyroiditis: This occurs when there is thyroid gland inflammation. It can be of different types, like postpartum thyroiditis, acute thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis, drug-induced thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and silent thyroiditis.
Goiter: This happens because of swelling in your neck and maybe related to both hyper and hypothyroidism. The key reason is iodine deficiency and this is most common in women.
Thyroid nodules: These are lumps inside body cavities or organs. They may be caused by benign tumors and very rarely, because of thyroid cancer.
Thyroid cancer: This is a serious disorder and more prevalent in women. It may affect women of any age, particularly below 55 years. It starts with a lump on the neck that is painless and may lead to difficulties in swallowing.
Complications and risk factors
Thyroid diseases can be resolved easily if treated in time, although, people suffering from hyper or hypothyroidism may have to take medicines all throughout their lives. But, when left untreated, these disorders can lead to many health complications, such as the ones given below.
- Myxedema
- Swelling of the gland, causing asphyxia
- Pregnant women can be prone to miscarriage or premature delivery
- Kids born to untreated mothers may have developmental issues, like dwarfism and mental retardation
- Difficulty in conception since it disrupts the LH and FSH hormonal balance, which controls ovulation
Risk factors
- Grave’s disease
- Excess or less iodine consumption
- Family history
- Thyroiditis
- Thyroid nodules
- Lithium medicines
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
