Common Thyroid
Problems
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Types of Thyroid
Problems
The gland performs a number of functions
related to metabolism by producing certain hormones. A thyroid
problem usually arises when the thyroid produces too much or
too little of these hormones.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces
too little. Hypothyroidism is also known as underactive thyroid
or low thyroid. Causes include genetic factors, tissue loss
from radiation or surgery and affliction by certain diseases,
including lupus, diabetes and hepatitis.
Common symptoms among adults include decreased
appetite, increased weight, dry skin, hair loss, a deepening or
unusually hoarse voice, puffiness around the eyes, depression
and loss of intellectual abilities.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid
produces more hormones than it should. It is also commonly
called overactive thyroid and high thyroid.
There are a number of variations of
hyperthyroidism.
Graves' disease is a
condition that occurs due to the release of an excessive amount
of hormones. Graves disease is triggered by an autoimmune
disorder which attacks the thyroid.
Toxic adenomas occur when
nodules develop in the thyroid gland and begin to secrete
thyroid hormones by themselves, and without the control of the
rest of the thyroid gland. This causes a chemical balance in
the body.
Subacute
thyroiditis results from in inflammation of the
thyroid. Excess hormones leak into the bloodstream, causing
hyperthyroidism. This condition is usually temporary, but some
cases have lasted for months.
Pituitary gland malfunctions or
cancerous growths can also appear in the thyroid.
Hyperthyroidism can also develop from these causes, although
it's rare.
Common hyperthoyoid signs and symptoms in
adults include insomnia, a higher pulse rate,hand tremors,
exciteability or nervousness, feeling unusually hot or cold,
excessive sweating, joint pains, puffiness around the eyes and
the appearance that the eyes are becoming enlarged.
Typical symptoms among the elderly include
muscle weakness, especially in the shoulders and thighs.
Patients with heart problems may experience increased chest
pain and shortness of breath.
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Thyroid cancer
There are four different types of thyroid cancer, which can be mild or
extremely dangerous and life threatening. See the article on
types of thyroid cancer for additional information.
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