We often hear folks talks about having thyroid problems. But do we really know what a thyroid is? And what role does it play in our bodies? Even more so, what are these thyroid problems we hear about?
What is a Thyroid?
The thyroid is a gland situated in the neck area above the collarbone. Butterfly-shaped, it wraps around the trachea (sometimes called a ‘windpipe’) and plays a crucial role in producing the hormones our body needs. MedlinePlus explains that “Thyroid hormones control the rate of many activities in your body. These include how fast you burn calories and how fast your heart beats. All of these activities are your body’s metabolism.”
So, What Can go Wrong?
Most problems occur when the thyroid either produces too little or too much of a hormone. The list of possibilities, according to Medline Plus, includes:
- “Goiter – enlargement of the thyroid gland
- Hyperthyroidism – when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs
- Hypothyroidism – when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones
- Thyroid cancer
- Thyroid nodules – lumps in the thyroid gland
- Thyroiditis – swelling of the thyroid”
Ugh. None of that sounds good. But what does it all mean? Well, your metabolism is what breaks down the foods you eat and turns them into energy. When that isn’t happening efficiently, doctors first look at the thyroid for possible explanations. If you are diagnosed with thyroid disease, it basically means that your thyroid isn’t producing the correct amount of hormones to do the job. For example, if the thyroid produces too many hormones, it’s called hyperthyroidism, whereas if it produces too little, it’s known as hypothyroidism. While they both can make you feel tired and lackadaisical, one means it’s using hormones too quickly, and the second is not using them fast enough.
Can Anyone Get Thyroid Disease?
The Cleveland Clinic says that the disease can be inherited, be present at birth, develop at any time during one’s life, and often manifests itself in women post-menopausal. They go on to explain the risks as:
“Thyroid disease is very common, with an estimated 20 million people in the United States having some type of thyroid disorder. A woman is about five to eight times more likely to be diagnosed with a thyroid condition than a man.
You may be at a higher risk of developing a thyroid disease if you:
- Have a family history of thyroid disease.
- Have a medical condition (these can include pernicious anemia, type 1 diabetes, primary adrenal insufficiency, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome and Turner syndrome).
- Take a medication that’s high in iodine (amiodarone).
- Are older than 60, especially in women.
- Have had treatment for a past thyroid condition or cancer (thyroidectomy or radiation).”
Are There Any Common Symptoms to Look Out For?
While having a few of the stated symptoms may not necessarily be mean you have a thyroid issue, if you have more than a few that appear and don’t subside, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider. Some of the common symptoms that the Cleveland Clinic has defined are:
“Symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can include:
- Experiencing anxiety, irritability and nervousness.
- Having trouble sleeping.
- Losing weight.
- Having an enlarged thyroid gland or a goiter.
- Having muscle weakness and tremors.
- Experiencing irregular menstrual periods or having your menstrual cycle stop.
- Feeling sensitive to heat.
- Having vision problems or eye irritation.
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can include:
- Feeling tired (fatigue).
- Gaining weight.
- Experiencing forgetfulness.
- Having frequent and heavy menstrual periods.
- Having dry and coarse hair.
- Having a hoarse voice.
- Experiencing an intolerance to cold temperatures. “
How is it Treated?
Only a doctor can diagnose a thyroid problem. A blood test may be ordered, or the doctor may order X-rays of the neck region and will probably do a physical exam. Depending on the diagnosis of which type of thyroid disease is present and its severity, a medical professional may recommend various treatments, from medications to radioiodine therapy to surgery in more severe cases. Although this disease or disorder may last throughout your lifetime, it is usually manageable with regular checkups by your healthcare provider to determine if any adjustments to your treatment plan need to be made.
To find out more about thyroid health, visit the American Thyroid Association, which covers a wide range of patient resources.
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