The thyroid gland is situated below and beneath the Adam’s apple in the neck region. Its function is to produce thyroid hormones, which control the rate of metabolism. The
Thyroid problems are more common in adults above the age of 30 and this condition is more common in women than men.
Thyroid hormones play an important role in controlling the body temperature and the utilization of other hormones and vitamins apart from the development of body tissues.
There are two types of
thyroid disease conditions where the thyroid gland produces excess of hormones or too little hormones. The former condition is called hyperthyroidism while the latter is referred to as hypothyroidism.
The master gland pituitary secretes a hormone called TSH, which stimulates the thyroid to produce T3 and T4 hormones in the presence of dietary iodine. Thyroid conditions might be either due to the problems in the regulatory mechanism of the pituitary gland, malfunctioning of the thyroid or the total absence of the gland. Radiation treatments can also trigger
thyroid problems. Hypothyroidism in women might set off ovulatory conditions, making their conception difficult. Some of the common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, head aches, dry skin, heat or cold intolerance, depression, fluid retention, unhealthy nails, hives, allergies, irritability, decreased memory, muscle/joint pain, heart palpitations and depression. In many cases psychological disturbances are also noticed where clarity of thought and intelligence deteriorates along with organic psychosis, memory loss and retardation of faculties.
Hypothyroidism, if not treated in time might increase the chances of obesity, depression or heart ailments. It is estimated that though around 1 million people are victims of this
thyroid disease, this condition has remained largely ignored.
Some of the common problems of this disease are as follows:
- Muscle and Joint Pains: Muscle and joint pain or chances of getting carpal tunnel in the hands or tarsal tunnel in the legs relate to hypothyroidism.
- Pain in the neck or lump formation: swelling in the neck, pain or hoarseness could all be vital clues of hypothyroidism. While gulping down water if any protrusions are noticed, consult the doctor immediately.
- Changes in the hair and skin: hair fall and dry coarse skin are some of the common symptoms. Hair and skin are particularly susceptible to thyroid conditions.
- Irritable bowel syndrome: Usually hypothyroidism causes constipation while diarrhea is considered as the symptom of hyperthyroidism.
- Menstrual Irregularities and Fertility Problems: Irregular and frequent periods, and heavy flow are some of the common problems that are linked to hypothyroidism. In some cases untreated hypothyroidism can result in infertility as well.
- Family History: If you have a known family history of thyroid problems you run a comparatively high risk.
- Fatigue: excessive fatigue and oversleeping are problems normally seen in low thyroid patients.
- Depression and mental problems. Cases of depression which show no response to treatments might be due to thyroid problems.
- Sudden weight gain or loss: sudden and unexplained weight changes occur even though there is no marked change in the diet plan or quantity of intake.
