Thyroid is a small gland shaped like a bowtie in the wind pipe region of your neck. It is located below the Adam's Apple spot. Half of the
thyroid conditions go unnoticed or wrongly diagnosed. Studies show that over 27 million Americans suffer from thyroid disease. Generally women are seven times more at risk that men and it is found that the risk factor increases with age. Anyone with a clear family history of
thyroid disease is more likely to have this disease condition.
The
thyroid gland secretes various hormones of which thyroxine and triiodothyronine are significant as these hormones control the metabolism by ensuring oxygen supply to the cells. In addition, the only cells that can absorb iodine are located in thyroid. Iodine obtained through iodized salts and food sources, merges with the amino acid tyrosine to form these hormones. When the thyroid hormone production falls below the normal level it is refereed to as hypothyroidism and when the
thyroid hormone is produced above the normal levels it is hyperthyroidism.
The hyper
thyroid disease symptoms include nervousness, excessive perspiration, irritability etc. A thyroid scan is normally conducted to diagnose the condition along with the blood sample testing which shows an enhanced level of Free T4 hormone in the blood. Some of the common treatment methods include application of radio active iodine, which enters the gland and destroy a small part of the thyroid. Medicines are also useful in restoring the normal hormone levels though in some patients side effects are also seen. In many patients relapse is reported once the medication is stopped. In some cases a portion of
thyroid is removed surgically. It is advisable to consult an expert thyroid specialist to follow the best treatment regimen suited to you.
The hypothyroid disease symptoms include fatigue, depression, sudden and excessive weight gain, enhanced menstrual flow, irregular periods, itchy skin etc; There are many factors for
thyroid disease that are responsible for this condition, excessive use of soy protein, radiation treatment of the head region or for acne, tonsils or thymus gland conditions, imbalance of iodine in the diet and over usage of raw cabbage, radish or cauliflower among others.
If hypothyroidism is not treated in time it might turn into myxedema characterized by puffed up face with drooping eyes, loss of hair and scaly skin. Some of the other advanced symptoms include Muscle pain, numbness in legs fatigue and carpal tunnel syndrome. In some cases hearing loss, mental instability or memory problems are also noticed. Myxedema coma, caused by long-standing hypothyroidism could be fatal. In
herbal care Thyroid hormone pills should be taken daily for hypothyroidism and within a few months the initial symptoms start subsiding. The dosage is fixed by taking the serum TSH levels and in nearly every thyroid patient treatment spans all through their life.
Children or new born babies are also susceptible to
thyroid disease. Some of the common symptoms include rough skin, delayed teething and protruding abdomen. They will be typically short in stature with a puffy profile and will have below average intelligence compared to ordinary children.
