Thyroid Disorders: Symptoms & Causes

Are you suffering from sudden hair loss, decreased appetite and fatigue? Do you usually find yourself anxious and wired up over the slightest of things? If the above stand true for you, then maybe it is time for you to get your thyroid checked. The thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck, happens to be one of the biggest influencers of the metabolic processes of our body, producing hormones that regulate the body’s mechanism. Thyroid disorders can cause the on-set of many fatal diseases in the body.

What are the 2 kinds of thyroid disorders?

Abnormal production of thyroid hormones lead to two conditions, namely hyperthyroidism, which results from the production of excessive hormones, and hypothyroidism which is the consequence of insufficient hormones.

What are the main reasons responsible for Thyroid problems?

An imbalance in thyroid hormone production can upset the entire metabolism system of our body. Stated below are a few reasons that lead to it.

Hyperthyroidism: Causes

• Grave’s disease
• Thyroid nodules, or lumps in the thyroid glands
• Follicular thyroid cancer
• Excess iodine supplements

Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms & Signs

While thyroid problems do not initially throw up evident symptoms, here are a few that might alert you to get yourself checked:

• Excessive fatigue, feeling lethargic all the time
• Excessive sweating
• Extreme mood swings with accompanying anxiety and nervousness
• Swelling in the neck
• Hair loss in patches
• Infertility

On the other hand, hypothyroidism may strike its victim due to a number of other reasons. Here are a few that might lead to it.

Hypothyroidism: Causes

• When the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, obstructing the production of hormones
• Thyroiditis, or an inflammation of the thyroid gland
• Complication or side effect of a previous treatment of the thyroid gland
• Side effects of medications like lithium and amiodarone
• A non – functioning or damaged pituitary gland
• Radiation therapy to the neck
• Problems with thyroid during birth

Hypothyroidism: Symptoms & Signs that call for a test

• Slow heart rate
• Constipation
• Muscle ache and weakness
• Sudden gain in weight / difficulty in losing weight
• Dry and itchy skin
• Tiredness
• Pain and numbness in hands and fingers

Could thyroid be affecting you? : How can thyroid problems affect women?

Women in particular are more prone to hypothyroidism than men. Studies have shown that older women or those suffering from diabetes, Addison’s disease, bipolar disorder or Down syndrome are more at risk in falling victim to hypothyroidism. If left untreated, it can affect adversely in the form of abnormal menstrual cycles, difficulty in conception & complications during pregnancy.

Although men suffer from hypothyroidism too, the occurrence is relatively lesser in them than in women.  But some of the most common symptoms of a thyroid disorder in men are; trouble in concentrating, brittle nails, constipation and muscle pain. However if left unattended, it might lead to other major complications like high cholesterol levels and increased chances of a heart attack.

Remember, the first step towards better health is the proper monitoring of it. The sooner you diagnose the problems, the more effective the solutions will be.