When I was little, I often wondered why some people had lumps as big as tennis balls, or even bigger, at the base of their necks. And then some folk from our very tight-knit neighborhood told me the person swallowed something that got stuck in his throat.
As I grew older, I realized that a lot of people, when confronted with the idea of a thyroid problem, usually thought that increasing iodine intake was always the solution. Until I found out there was more to the thyroid gland than just inadequate iodine intake, I thought they were right.
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Located in the lower part of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple, is a butterfly-shaped gland called the thyroid. Using iodine generally found in food, the thyroid gland is responsible for creating and storing thyroid hormones that control the body’s heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure and the rate at which food is transformed into energy.
Thyroid hormones regulate the overall growth and chemical functions, or metabolism, of the body.
The thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland in the brain. In cases where the thyroid gland no longer follows the chain of command, meaning it can no longer be controlled by the pituitary gland, a thyroid disease ensues.
Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland produces less hormones than the body needs. In the case of hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones circulating in the blood. This condition is also referred to as thyrotoxicosis.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism
- Excessive sweating
- Rapid heart rate or palpitations
- Increased bowel movement
- Trembling hands
- Nervousness
- Agitation
- Heat intolerance
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Decreased concentration
- Irregular or scant menstrual flow
- Muscle weakness
- Thinning of hair
- Insomnia
- Staring gaze
Causes of hyperthyrodism
- Graves’ disease – Considered an autoimmune disease, or a condition where body tissues are attacked by the body’s own immune system, Graves’ disease is characterized by general hyperactivity in the thyroid gland.
- Toxic multinodular goiter – As a person advances in age, the thyroid gland becomes lumpier. In most cases, these lumps are just lumps, producing no extra thyroid hormones and requiring no treatment. Sometimes, however, a lump becomes “autonomous,” no longer following instructions from the pituitary gland. When there is more than one functioning nodule or lump in the thyroid, the term toxic multinodular goiter is used.
- Abnormal secretion of TSH – Although very rare, a tumor in the pituitary gland may erroneously signal the thyroid gland to produce excessive hormones.
- Inflammation of the thyroid – A viral illness is what often causes inflammation of the thyroid. This makes the thyroid gland “leaky” and the amount of thyroid hormones in the blood is increased.
- Excessive intake of iodine – Now this particular cause only triggers hyperthyroidism to people who already are predisposed to develop a thyroid disease. It is important to remember that adequate iodine intake is still a must to achieve overall thyroid health, especially with pregnant women as iodine deficiency may retard normal development in their babies. Generally speaking, an average adult needs about 120 to 150 micrograms of iodine per day. As a guide, one teaspoon of iodized salt provides 150 micrograms and a 100 gram serving of seafood provides 60 micrograms.
- Excessive intake of thyroid hormones – Taking too much thyroid hormones, especially in hypothyroidism patients, can trigger hyperthyroidism. Others even use the drug for weight loss.
If you think you might be suffering from hyperthyroidism, consult with a doctor immediately. When hyperthyroidism is left untreated, a thyroid storm may occur. Thyroid storm is a condition involving high blood pressure, fever and heart failure.
Source: MedicineNet.com
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Very Informative as always,,,, keep it up…
Thank you for the kind words, Eigroj!
Those were true!. I can say that it also runs through the blood. My mom got hyperthyroidsm while I was diagnosed last year of hypothyroidism. It is sad to have this kind of illness but life must still go on!
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Desiccated thyroid supplements can help make hypothyroidism treatment more effective by making the thyroid gland healthier. It strengthens the immune system which helps prevent complications.