Thyroid diseases are caused by a dysfunction of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is responsible to maintain body metabolism by producing thyroid hormones. Thyroid diseases may cause thyroid glands to be enlarged in size which may further results in a inflammation of the thyroid gland, a condition known as Thyroiditis. The inflammation in the thyroid gland leads to the death of thyroid cells that affect the body’s normal metabolism. As per thyroid symptoms, the disease is categorized in hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and/or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
What Are The Symptoms Of Thyroid :
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism show different symptoms that vary from person to person. Below are the primary symptoms as per thyroid condition:
Hypothyroidism Symptoms:
- Fatigue, exhaustion
- depression, moodiness
- Unexplained or excessive weight gain
- Dry, coarse and/or itchy skin
- Constipation
- Muscle cramps
- Increased menstrual flow
- Infertility/miscarriage
- low blood pressure
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms:
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Increased perspiration
- Thinning of your skin
- Fine brittle hair
It’s however crucial to understand that none of these symptoms are specific for the thyroid. These symptoms may also occur due to a number of other conditions.
What are the risk factors for thyroid disease :
There are a number of risk factors that may intensify the symptoms of the thyroid disease. Women are at greater risk than men. Adults who have passed the age of fifty are also very prone to thyroid. A few other risk factors include high stress life events, over consumption of raw goitrogenic foods, exposure to iodine via contrast dye and radiation exposure.
How Thyroid is Diagnosed And Treat:
The symptoms that appear in the thyroid are normally seen in other disease as well. Therefore it is difficult to diagnose thyroid disease solely on the basis of symptoms alone. Doctors therefore recommend various tests, physical examination and medical history of the patient to diagnose and confirm the disease. A test named T4 test is also performed to measure the actual level of thyroid hormone levels in the blood. Low levels of T4 normally indicate hypothyroidism. Doctors recommend a number of effective drugs and medication schedule to treat the disease. Some of the primary drugs prescribed by the doctors are Cytomel , Levoxyl and Synthroid. It is however very important to consult your doctor before starting the medication .