• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Thyroid
  • Parathyroid
  • Procedures
  • Articles
  • News
  • Contact
    • Bella Vista – Surgeons
    • Burwood – Endocrinologists
    • Macquarie University Clinic – Surgeons
    • Randwick – Endocrinologists
    • Randwick – Surgeon
    • Sydney West – Surgeon

Thyroid Clinic Sydney

Thyroid and Parathyroid Specialist

Home > How to Detect a Thyroid Problem

How to Detect a Thyroid Problem

July 1, 2013 By @ThyroidClinic

 how-to-detect-a-thyroid-problem

Detecting a thyroid problem

Do you have a thyroid problem? And how can you tell? An estimated 200 million people worldwide do. These conditions can bring on everything from irritability to baldness, but the good news is that many of these problems are treatable. This article provides general information about thyroid problems and is not a substitute for thorough medical assessment.

But first, what is the thyroid gland? It’s a small organ in the neck, about the size of two thumbs pressed together in the shape of a “V.” It’s located between the collarbone and the Adam’s apple. Like the pituitary gland and the adrenal glands, it is part of the endocrine system, a group of glands scattered throughout the body that keep the body’s internal systems on balance.

Glands produce hormones and the thyroid produces three: one that regulates calcium levels in the blood and two that deal with metabolism and other body systems. A thyroid problem results when these hormones get out of whack. Specifically, the thyroid can become overactive, producing too much of its hormones, or underactive, producing too little. The former state is known as hyperthyroidism, the latter as hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is most often a result of the autoimmune disorder Graves’ disease, in which the thyroid is tricked by rogue antibodies into secreting too much of its hormones. Neck goitres can develop and symptoms include heavy sweating, weight loss, bulging eyes, heart palpitations, anxiety and irritability, muscle weakness, diarrhoea, sleep disturbances, increases in appetite and sensitivity to heat.

Hypothyroidism

The opposite condition, hypothyroidism, is a thyroid problem that has multiple causes, such as autoimmune disorders, genetics, stress, iodine deficiencies, and surgery to remove the thyroid because of cancer or hyperthyroidism. Memory lapses, cold sensitivity, baldness, fatigue, slowed heart rate and weight gain are among the symptoms.

Treatment for thyroid problems

There are successful treatments for both these conditions. Treatments for overactive thyroid include beta-blockers, dietary changes, antithyroid medications, surgery and radiation therapy. Hypothyroidism is treated with synthetic forms of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland.

Cancer can also be a cause of a thyroid problem. Typically, there are no symptoms, though there may be a neck nodule and pain in the neck and vocal changes may follow later in the cancer’s progression.

The easiest way to avoid thyroid problems is to catch them early. You can do this by checking your thyroid if you believe you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of these conditions. Just stand in front of a mirror and tilt your head back. Swallow a mouthful of water and watch the area below your Adam’s apple. Repeat a few times. If you noticed any bulges or protrusions, call your doctor. 

If you have questions or concerns about thyroid problems see your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.

Filed Under: Thyroid Disorders Tagged With: Health Problems, Thyroid, Thyroid Functions

Primary Sidebar

Contact Us

Endocrinologists

Dr Sophie Chan
Dr Marwan Obaid
Dr Angela Sheu
Dr Eddy Tabet
Dr Tang Wong
 

Surgeons

Dr Michael Barakate
Dr Carsten Palme
Dr Faruque Riffat
Dr Mark Smith
 

Dietitian

Ms Juhi Bhambhaney

About The Thyroid Gland

the-thyroid

Parathyroid Health

hypoparathyroidism-causes-and-treatment

Hypoparathyroidism – Its Causes and Treatments

October 24, 2016 By @ThyroidClinic

what-are-parathyroid-glands

What Are the Parathyroid Glands?

October 20, 2016 By @ThyroidClinic

how-is-your-parathyroid-gland

How is Your Parathyroid Gland

June 8, 2015 By @ThyroidClinic

Search

Translate

Subscribe to our Newsletter

ENT Clinic

  • Articles
  • Ear Nose Throat
  • Skincare
  • Wellbeing

Footer

About Our Doctors

Contact Us

Categories

  • Parathyroid Disorders
  • Parathyroid Surgery
  • Thyroid Cancer
  • Thyroid Disorders
  • Thyroid Gland
  • Thyroid Surgery

Recent Posts

  • Eddy Tabet
  • Sophie Chan
  • Belinda Elwin
  • Juhi Bhambhaney
  • Michael Barakate
  • Tang Wong
  • Angela Sheu
  • Marwan Obaid

Clinic Locations

  • Bella Vista – Surgeons
  • Burwood – Endocrinologists
  • Macquarie University Hospital – Surgeons
  • Randwick – Endocrinologists
  • Randwick – Surgeon
  • Sydney West – Surgeon

Stay Connected

Blog · Disclaimer · Privacy Policy · Copyright © 2018 · Thyroid Clinic Sydney · @ThyroidClinic
   
thyroid-clinic-sydney