How to identify symptoms of thyroid disorders
Thyroid disorders are a common medical problem. The thyroid gland is responsible for producing thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate how our bodies use their metabolism. In America alone, more than 25 million people suffer from thyroid disorders and similar tallies can be found in most Western countries.
Some medical professionals estimate that women are 12 times more likely than men to develop a thyroid disorder. These disorders can be caused by a number of different factors, from pregnancy to heredity. This article provides general advice about thyroid disorders. If you have any symptoms or concerns please contact your local doctor.
Thyroid disorder categories
Most thyroid disorders can be broken down into one of two broad categories:
Hypothyroidism
When not enough thyroid hormones are produced.
Hyperthyroidism
When an excess of hormones are produced.
Thyroid symptoms
These two different conditions often possess opposing types of symptoms. For example, a person who suffers from hypothyroidism will often experience an intolerance towards cold, while a person with hyperthyroidism will be sensitive to heat changes.
Hypothyroid symptoms
In general, hypothyroid disorders have symptoms that are subtler, but they increase in intensity over time. The signs of hypothyroidism are often mistakenly attributed to other conditions. For example, a patient with hypothyroidism may experience modest weight gain, but the weight gain is dismissed as a sign of aging or a lack of exercise. The primary symptom of hypothyroidism is extreme fatigue and muscle weakness. Because the cells of the body are not receiving enough energy, a person will not have the energy levels that are required to get through their day.
Hyperthyroid symptoms
By comparison, the symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism are much simpler to recognise and diagnose. A patient with this condition will often experience weight loss, palpitating heart beats and insomnia. They will also commonly experience nervous tremors or have an inability to concentrate. The experience could be likened to being hooked up to an espresso machine. These symptoms can also become worse over time but they are generally not as intense as the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
The good news is that these conditions are readily treatable. Courses of treatment can range from daily medications to radioactive iodine therapy or surgery. The bad news is that without treatment thyroid disorders can seriously affect a person’s quality of life.
If you believe that the symptoms you are displaying could be linked to one of these conditions, then you are encouraged to contact your local doctor. While these conditions are a pain in the neck, they do not have to affect your daily life. Prompt treatment will ensure that they don’t.
If you have questions or concerns about symptoms of thyroid disorders see your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.
