About Thyroid Medical Conditions

Medical disorders associated with the thyroid gland affect approximately 1 in 8 people in the United States, many of whom haven't been diagnosed. Here you will find information that will outline the most common thyroid conditions, treatments and help you gain more understanding of the use of the thyroid gland.

Function

• The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck just below what is called the "Adam's Apple." Its basic function is to produce hormones associated with metabolism, energy and proteins. It is also responsible for how the body reacts to other hormones produced in the body. When a disruption of those hormones occurs, it can cause numerous physical effects that may not be initially recognized as a thyroid problem.

Effects

• What type of disorder an individual has depends on what symptoms can occur. Individuals can experience insomnia, hyperactivity, weight loss, a constant feeling of being "jittery" and unnerved. Others can experience constant fatigue and weight gain. Any thyroid disorder can disrupt normal body flow. Women can experience extra facial hair growth and irregular menstrual cycles. Both men and women can experience a decrease in the ability to fight off common illnesses such as a cold or sinus infection. Because the thyroid is responsible for maintaining many of the body's functions, there are a variety of effects that stem from too much or too little of the thyroid hormone.

Risk Factors

• There are many risks associated with untreated thyroid disorders.

  Because the thyroid gland plays a major part in regulating a woman's body during pregnancy, many women don't suffer any thyroid problems until pregnancy occurs. Obstetricians will typically keep an eye on thyroid levels during pregnancy. An untreated thyroid problem during pregnancy can cause high blood pressure which can lead to a condition called preeclampsia. For babies, an untreated thyroid problem in the mother can cause premature birth and decreased mental abilities. The baby also has a higher chance of having a thyroid problem, also. In extreme cases, an untreated thyroid disorder in the mother can lead to the baby's death.

  Furthermore, men and women alike who go without treatment for a thyroid disorder are at an increased risk of developing heart problems such as high blood pressure. They are also at a greater risk for developing metabolism-related disorders such as diabetes.

Type

• There are two major types of thyroid disorders. There are others, but the ones below are the most common and are often the starting points of developing any other thyroid disorder.

  Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the hormones necessary to maintain other bodily functions. The first signs of this disorder is weight gain and fatigue.

  Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormones. The first signs of this disorder is usually weight loss and restlessness.

Identification

• The only way to identify a thyroid disorder is through a blood test to check for thyroid hormone levels.

  For hyperthyroidism, depending on age and severity, antithyroid medication and radioactive iodine are the most common forms of treatment. Antithyroid medication is a pill that an individual takes at the same time every day in order to block some of the hormones coming from the thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine comes in the form of a drink which destroys part of the thyroid gland without harming any other part of the body. Most patients are cured after one dose.

  For hypothyroidism, the most general treatment is taking a pill of synthetic hormones everyday which restores normal hormone levels. Since hormone levels can change as age progresses, it will be necessary for the doctor to check hormones levels in the form of blood test every year or so.