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Thyroid Gland Disorders

The thyroid gland in each person produces hormones to regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight. If something is amiss in any of these areas, a thyroid gland disorder may be the culprit.

  1. Significance

    • According to the New York Thyroid Center, over 20 million people are undergoing treatment and an estimated 2 million remain undiagnosed with thyroid disorders. Women are especially vulnerable.

    Types

    • The types of thyroid gland disorders are hypothyroidism (or overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (or underactive thyroid), thyroid nodules (thyroid enlargement), thyroid disease, and thyroid cancer.

    Risk Factors

    • The New York Thyroid Center reports "a personal or family history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, pernicious anemia, prematurely graying hair, vitiligo or other autoimmune disease" increases risk for thyroid disorders. Early or late onset of a girl's period (before age 9 or after age 15) may lead to thyroid disease. A lack of iodine in the system and radiation overexposure plays a role in the development of thyroid nodules; family history may place you at risk for thyroid cancer.

    Causes

    • Autoimmune diseases, lithium medication (for bipolar disorder), pregnancy, including post-partum depression, may play a role, as well as aging and surgery. Radioactive iodine, used to treat some thyroid diseases such as Grave's Disease can cause thyroid issues as well. The cause for most thyroid nodules is yet unknown.

    Effects

    • Hypo and Hyperthyroidism affects the body's metabolism, ability to sustain a healthy weight, mood, energy levels, and ability to concentrate. Thyroid nodules can be benign or malignant; that is, cancerous. If large enough, they can impact your ability to swallow.

    Treatment

    • Following blood tests, medication is often the first line of defense, though surgery is sometimes prescribed. The New York Thyroid Center reports that "most thyroid cancers are very treatable and can usually be completely cured with surgery and appropriate therapy." Tests will keep track of progression throughout the therapy.

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