Common Thyroid Problems Explained
Your thyroid is a small gland that is critical for regulating a variety of bodily functions. Several conditions can affect the thyroid and cause a variety of complex symptoms. If you believe you may be experiencing any of the thyroid problems described below, make an appointment to speak with your doctor.
Hypothyroidism
A condition marked by an underactive thyroid that affects approximately 4.6 percent of people 12 years old and older. When your thyroid underproduces the hormones that control your metabolism, you may experience:
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Memory problems
- Slowed heartbeat
- Slowed reflexes
- Dry skin
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Coma
Hyperthyroidism
A condition in which your thyroid overproduces hormones, resulting in such symptoms as:
- Weight loss
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Insomnia
- Rapid heartbeat
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Increased sweating
- Shaking
- Thin skin
- Brittle hair and nails
- Muscle weakness
Hyperthyroidism affects about one percent of women and is less common in men.
Goiter
Swelling of the thyroid. Goiter may be the result of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Goiter may appear on one or both sides of the thyroid gland.
Thyroid Nodules
Also called toxic nodular goiter or multinodular goiter, the condition is marked by small growths that develop in the thyroid. The nodules are typically round and move with the gland when you swallow or roll underneath your fingertips when examining the area. When benign, they rarely cause associated complications.
Graves’ Disease
An autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing an overproduction of hormones. Graves’ Disease can cause swelling of the tissue around the eyes, hyperthyroidism, and sometimes skin issues. One notable symptom is the appearance of bulging eyes. It affects approximately 70 percent of people with an overactive thyroid. Graves’ disease is hereditary and is most common in women ages 20 to 30. Other risk factors include smoking, stress, and pregnancy.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, it is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks and slowly destroys the thyroid gland and its ability to produce hormones. As a result, the thyroid becomes inflamed. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can cause hypothyroidism and goiter and affects approximately 14 million Americans. Mild cases of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may cause no noticeable symptoms. In more severe cases, symptoms may include mild weight gain, fatigue, depression, constipation, dry skin or hair, pale skin, puffy face, and irregular menstruation in women.
Thyroid Cancer
The development of cancerous nodules in the thyroid. Often thyroid cancer is treatable and curable.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with these common thyroid problems, talk to your doctor. He or she can perform tests to determine if your thyroid is to blame for your symptoms and can prescribe treatment.