Thyroid Hormone | Signs of Thyroid Disorder | Part 2
May 28, 2019 | Abigail Mckay

Thyroid Hormone | Signs of Thyroid Disorder | Part 2

The thyroid, a powerhouse organ that is a part of the endocrine system, is a butterfly-shaped gland found in the front of the neck just below the Adam’s Apple.   It aids in controlling many functions throughout the body including mood stabilization, digestion, brain development, and metabolism. Thyroid disorders are more common in women but can occur in men, and incidence increases as one ages.  While many people do not take notice of the thyroid until a problem arises, some notice symptoms associated with thyroid dysfunction prior to diagnosis.  Below, we will be discussing the two main types of thyroid disorders and symptoms associated with each.

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the two main categories of thyroid dysfunction. When the thyroid does not make enough hormone to support the body, this condition is known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is often caused from an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's, but it can also be due to nodules or small bumps on the thyroid, removal of part or all the thyroid gland, radiation therapy, certain medications or congenital hypothyroidism, which is discovered at birth.  Whatever the cause, symptoms are relatively consistent and include fatigue, hair loss, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, cold intolerance, depression, joint or muscle pain, and slowed heart rate.  Treatment will depend on the cause and can range from surgery to medications, which will assist in supplementing the lack of thyroid hormone. 

In contrast, hyperthyroidism is a result of the overproduction of thyroid hormones.  The causes of hyperthyroidism include Graves disease, which is an autoimmune condition, nodules, too much iodine or too much thyroid medication.  People with Hashimoto’s can fluctuate between hypo- and hyper- depending on the autoimmune process. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are heat intolerance, increased heart rate, anxiety, weight loss, frequent bowel movements, and occasionally a goiter, which is characterized by an enlargement of the thyroid gland.  Medication or surgery and sometimes both are required in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Stay tuned to discuss the different thyroid hormones produced and their impact on the body. 

If you are having any of the symptoms listed above, speak with top thyroid doctor of USA in Pakistan

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Abigail Mckay

Abigail has been a nurse for five years, and throughout her time as a nurse, she has worked in multiple medical-surgical units as well as spent time in the infusion therapy clinic and endoscopy lab. She is passionate about preventative medicine through patient education regarding nutrition and exercise. Due to her passion, Abigail has gone on to earn two certifications including a certification in medical-surgical nursing (CMSRN) and a certification in holistic nursing (HNB-BC), in hopes of being able to better serve her patients. Abigail earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA and now bettering patient education in the healthcare system through partnering with American TelePhysicians.