Symptoms relating to thyroid gland dysfunction will usually fall into one of two categories: hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive, while hyperthyroidism occurs when it is overactive. While both conditions are generally not life threatening, they can seriously diminish a person’s quality of life. This is why it is … [Read more...] about Symptoms for Thyroid Gland Dysfunction
Archives for July 2014
Subacute Thyroiditis
About Subacute Thyroiditis Subacute thyroiditis is an uncommon problem that occurs following a viral infection, such as influenza, coxsackie virus or mumps. Mumps is now very rare in Australia due to the success of vaccination. Subacute thyroiditis is most commonly seen in women, typically aged between 20 and 40. Some women develop subacute thyroiditis following pregnancy. … [Read more...] about Subacute Thyroiditis
Understanding Your Parathyroid Glands
About the Parathyroid Glands Just about everyone you talk to is at least somewhat familiar with the thyroid gland and what it does. After all, we all want to stay fit with appropriate body weights for our heights and builds, so knowing about the gland that controls our metabolism is definitely of interest. Located just behind the thyroid, are a set of four glands that are … [Read more...] about Understanding Your Parathyroid Glands
Medications and the thyroid gland
About medications and the thyroid There are several medications which can affect the function of the thyroid gland. Although medications have been developed to deliberately change the function of the thyroid for therapeutic purposes; medications for non-thyroid issues can change the function of the gland. Table of contents Amiodarone Lithium Tyrosine Kinase … [Read more...] about Medications and the thyroid gland
Riedel’s Thyroiditis
About Riedel's Thyroiditis Riedel’s thyroiditis is a very rare condition with an unknown cause. In 1883, Professor Bernhard Riedel first recognized the disease. He published a description of 2 cases in 1896 and of a third case in 1897. Riedel used the term 'eisenharte struma' to describe the stone-hard consistency of the thyroid gland and its fixation to adjacent structures. … [Read more...] about Riedel’s Thyroiditis
Iodine, Thyroid Hormones and the Thyroid Gland
Iodine and Thyroid Hormones The thyroid gland produces the thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), which help to control the body’s rate of metabolism. Both T3 and T4 have similar actions on the body’s tissues, but T3 is a more potent form of the hormone than T4. The thyroid produces considerably more T4 than T3; however, the body’s cells convert T4 into … [Read more...] about Iodine, Thyroid Hormones and the Thyroid Gland
