• 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 > Thyroid Problems Early Diagnosis

Thyroid Problems Early Diagnosis

May 25, 2013 By @ThyroidClinic

 thyroid-problems-early-diagnosis

Thyroid problems – how to make an early diagnosis

Learning about thyroid problems now can save you a lot of trouble and suffering later. Most thyroid problems can be caught and dealt with early, averting the worst symptoms and bringing your life quickly back under control. The key is knowing what’s happening and what you can do about it.

What is the thyroid gland? It’s an endocrine gland located in your neck, between your Adam’s apple and your collarbone. Like the other endocrine glands, it produces hormones that regulate key aspects of the body’s ability to function. Other endocrine glands include the pineal, which produces melatonin to help us sleep and cycle through seasonal changes, and the islets of Langerhans, clusters of pancreatic cells that produce insulin to process sugar in the bloodstream.

The thyroid produces three hormones that are key to the human body: calcitonin, which limits calcium levels in the blood, and thyroxine and triiodothyronine. The last two manage metabolism and the rates at which many bodily systems grow and function, including how rapidly the body uses energy and makes proteins.

Understanding main thyroid dysfunctions and problems

thyroid-problems-diagnosisA key piece in learning about thyroid symptoms and problems is understanding the two main thyroid dysfunctions: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The first occurs when the thyroid produces too little of its hormones, the latter when it produces too much.

Hypothyroidism is characterised by sensitivity to cold, fatigue, slowed heart rate, weight gain, baldness and memory problems. It can be caused by a number of things including stress, iodine deficiencies, removing the gland during surgery, autoimmune disorders and congenital defects.

Hyperthyroidism Thyroid Symptoms

The other extreme, hyperthyroidism, is characterised by such symptoms as heavy sweating, weight loss, diarrhoea, irritability, muscle weakness, neck goitres, increased appetite, protruding eyes, sensitivity to heat, heart palpitations and sleep disturbances. It’s usually caused by Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition.

One thing you need to know about thyroid problems is that they often mirror the symptoms of clinical depression. Irritability, fatigue, excessive weight gain or loss, sleep issues and memory problems are all symptoms of thyroid dysfunction and of major depressive disorder.

Thyroid problems can also result from cancer, though thyroid cancer generally causes few symptoms. A neck nodule may appear, followed by pain in the neck and changes to the voice later as the cancer progresses.

There’s a simple way to ease concerns you may have about thyroid problems. If symptoms appear, you can check your thyroid to see if it’s a likely culprit. Just take a few gulps of water with your head tilted back in front of a mirror. If the area between your Adam’s apple and your collarbone bulges or you spot protrusions or any other unusual signs, contact your doctor right away.

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: Symptoms, Thyroid, Treatment

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