Thyroid problems are one of the most common ailments that can affect the human body. Thyroid is an endocrine gland and produces essential hormones like thyroxin. Hormones produced by thyroid gland are very crucial for the metabolism of the body. Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and tumors are the most common thyroid problems. Symptoms associated with thyroid problems appear slowly and is therefore often misdiagnosed.
Under active thyroid or hypothyroidism is mainly caused due to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This thyroid problem is found commonly in women. The cause of it is mistaken identity. In it, the antibodies attack the thyroid gland. Obesity, lack of interest, sensitivity to heat and cold, and memory loss are some of the common symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. Those diagnosed with hypothyroidism have low level of thyroxine. Treatment is mainly in the form of thyroid hormone pill. The medication is often a life- long commitment, with varying doses.
In hyperthyroidism, the level of thyroxine is very high and is caused mainly due to Grave’s disease. Middle-aged women are more prone to this thyroid problem. Weight loss, abnormal heartbeat, fatigue, unusual bowel movements, nervousness, and irritability are the common symptoms. Since the symptoms appear late, it is often misdiagnosed. Bulging of eyes and double vision are symptoms found in some patients. Radioactive iodine is the main treatment given for hyperthyroidism. In this treatment, a part of thyroid gland is destroyed to reduce the amount of thyroxine produced. An under active thyroid is the main side effect caused by this treatment. Medications used to treat thyroid problems mainly slow down the activity of the thyroid gland. Drugs for hyperthyroidism often have serious side effects.
Lumps or thyroid nodules are mostly harmless. However, certain lumps are cancerous. A ‘fine needle aspiration biopsy’ done in doctor’s office is the most common method used to detect whether a lump is cancerous or not. If the nodule is cancerous, then surgical removal is the only option.
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Thyroid Disease
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Swelling in the neck is the most visible form of thyroid disease. Lack of iodine in the diet affects the thyroid gland and leads to swollen necks known as goiter. Located in the neck, thyroid is an endocrine gland that produces essential hormones. Thyroxine is...
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Thyroid
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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The thyroid is a small, butterfly shaped gland located at the front of the neck. The thyroid produces the thyroid hormones, including the two major ones, namely the tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which are essential for regulating the metabolic activities, growth, and several other...
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A Guide To Hypothyroidism
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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In developing countries today, hypothyroidism has become one of the most common yet most under-diagnosed medical conditions. Hypothyroidism is an endocrine abnormality in which the thyroid gland secretes inadequate thyroid hormones, resulting in various health risks and disorders. The deficient activity of the thyroid gland...
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Thyroid Cancer
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Thyroid cancer develops as a result of the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the thyroid gland, resulting in a tumor. Some of these tumors are benign or non cancerous while some are malignant or cancerous. The malignant tumors spread to the nearby tissues and...
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Cause of Hypothyroidism
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Hypothyroidism stems from any single cause or a combination of several causes like complications of thyroid gland diseases and autoimmune disorders, exposure to medical treatments, or afflicted brain activities. It commonly arises from a chronic thyroid disease known as Hashiloto’s thyroiditis. This thyroid disorder is...
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Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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When the thyroid gland is unable to produce a satisfactory level of thyroid hormones, hypothyroidism may develop. The hormones produced by the endocrine or thyroid gland are responsible for the regulation of a person’s metabolism; hence, an injury to this gland or an abnormality in...
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Thyroid Medication
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Thyroid is an important endocrine gland producing thyroxin that is involved with the metabolic function of the body. Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid medications, which are either synthetic or of animal origin. Several medications available are used as a replacement for T3, T4, or their...
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Hypothyroidism Treatments
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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The prevailing diagnostic test for diagnosing hypothyroidism is the blood test in which thyroxine (T4) and Thyroxine Stimulating Hormone (TSH) are measured. Most thyroid specialists rely solely on blood tests that other endocrinologists find erratic. These doctors view blood testing as an accessory to diagnosis,...
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Cat Health Problems
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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All cat owners should be aware of the common health problems that their cat could face. Cat health problems can be detected through behavioral changes, symptoms and sounds. Common health problems include anemia, allergies, skin infections and tapeworms caused by fleas. Flea collars are a...
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Prostate Cancer Treatments
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The principle function of the prostrate gland is to secrete seminal fluid, a nutrient for sperm, and eject it into the urethra during ejaculation. As it ages it can become cancerous without any specific cause. For prostrate cancer, this process is commonly a slow one....