Thyroid disorders range from diseases that increase the amount of hormone produced to those that totally eradicate the production. In both instances these conditions will also radically affect the health of the individuals affected. Because there are several different conditions that may have the same symptoms diagnosis can sometimes be challenging.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped organ that is located on the front of the knack, just in front of the windpipe. It produces hormones which regulate the rate at which body cells use energy and produce heat. When there is an over active or under active thyroid gland it can negatively affect the health of the individual. A person with too little hormone is said to suffer from hypothyroidism and a person with too much suffers from hyperthyroidism.  Read more...

According to the American Academy of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) an estimated 50 million women will have reached menopause by the end of the year. And, because thyroid disease and menopause often create the same symptoms the disease can often go undetected or may worsen when the woman approaches menopause because of the hormonal shifts that happen in the body.

According to the AACE millions of women suffer from a variety of unresolved symptoms that are thought to be menopause related but may have undiagnosed thyroid disease. Both conditions often develop in the same general age range and share symptoms of fatigue, mood swings, depression and sleep disturbances. Other symptoms that are similar are hair loss, change in hair texture, increased anxiety, heart palpitations, and skin changes.

Estimations are that by age 50 one out of every 10 to 12 women will have some degree of hypothyroidism and by age 60 that number jumps to one out of five or six. Many women also confuse the symptoms of thyroid disease with menopause and don’t think of seeking the care and advice of their physician.  Read more...

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped gland that sits at the front of your neck just below the Adams apple. The thyroid has a very important job because it is responsible for the bodys metabolism rate and energy production.

Iodine is a nonmetallic chemical that is found abundantly in seawater and in some minerals. It is in the same classification as chlorine and bromine. Iodine is toxic in large amounts.

The thyroid gland needs iodine to function properly. The two most important hormones that are manufactured by the thyroid gland are thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These two hormones are commonly referred to as T4 and T3.

If iodine is not available in the diet the thyroid gland may not be able to produce enough of the bodys needed hormones. Fortunately, in the United States iodine is added to salt and bread. A minimum of sixty micrograms of iodine a day is required to make the thyroid hormones.  Read more...

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. This can cause a severe acceleration of the bodys metabolism.

Hyperthyroidism can be difficult for your doctor to diagnose. This is because hyperthyroidism can mimic other health problems.

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include a sudden weight loss without a change in appetite. Symptoms can also include a rapid heart rate and increased nervousness and anxiety attacks.

A person who suffers from hyperthyroidism may have an increased intolerance to heat, and they may sweat a lot. Hyperthyroidism can cause tremors of the hands, and it can cause sleep disorders.

There are a number of reasons why your thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine. But one of the more common reasons is Graves disease. This is autoimmune disorder in which antibodies produced by your body will stimulate the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroxine.  Read more...

The thyroid gland, small in size, is a small gland that lies within the neck region. Formed within the thyroid gland lie lumps that are either solid or filled with fluid. These lumps are known as nodules. While most of the time these lumps are harmless and noncancerous, they can sometimes be malignant, or cancerous. This is not usually discovered, unless they enlarge, until your physician detects it during a routine physical examination.

The signs and symptoms of a thyroid nodule are difficult to detect. They only way that a person detects them on their own is if they are felt or swelling is seen in the neck area. If by chance they excrete an excessive amount of thyroxine a person may notice some weight loss, note a rapid heartbeat, or are unusually nervous. Signs and symptoms of a malignant thyroid nodule are rapid growth, noticeably enlarged lymph nodes, and/or hoarseness or dyspnea.  Read more...

Congenital hypothyroidism is a relatively uncommon condition that occurs in newborns. Congenital hypothyroidism can occur due the mother being exposed to radioiodine and anti-thyroid medication, but more likely, it is a hereditary condition. Girls are twice as apt to get congenital hypothyroidism as boys are. It affects approximately one child in every 4,000 births.

Congenital hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not function properly to produce adequate levels of hormones that are required to keep the body running smoothly. The functioning of the body’s growth, intelligence, metabolism, energy, and temperature are dependent upon this.

The signs and symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism are poor eating with little or no interest in eating, jaundice, little crying, constipation, and/or excessive sleeping. These symptoms are first noticed in the newborn, but it is not diagnosed soon enough at times and can cause permanent damage. Screening for newborns is essential by the means of a simple blood test taken from the infant’s heel. An x-ray of the baby’s legs may also be taken.  Read more...