After receiving various questions of women complaining about thyroid issues and abnormal levels, OoWomaniya decides to skim through this health issue ardently. Quite often , women come to know about their abnormal thyroid levels, very much at a later stage when they start noticing symptoms like irregular periods, abnormal weight gain or weight loss, fatigue etc.

Hence, let’s get an idea about one of the most important gland of your body – thyroid gland

Thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck just below the Adam’s apple region.

The thyroid produces hormones that affect the body’s metabolism.

With the increasing stress of modern life and the change in food habits from local to junk most of us are bearing the brunt. The worst effect is witnessed in the hormonal system of the body.

Thyroid is a major endocrine gland which pays the cost.

Today let’s talk about the types of thyroid disorders and how they affect smooth functioning of our body.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces excess thyroid hormone.

Causes :

Excessive intake of iodine

Graves Disease

Toxic multinodular goiter

Toxic nodule (“hot” nodule)

Hashitoxicosis

Medications (ingesting thyroid hormone)

 Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Excessive sweating

Heat intolerance

Increased bowel movements

Tremor (usually a fine shake)

Nervousness

Feeling agitated

Rapid heart rate

Weight loss

Fatigue

Decreased concentration

Irregular and scanty menstrual flow

In older patients, irregular heart rhythms and heart failure can occur.

In its most severe form, untreated hyperthyroidism may result in “thyroid storm,” a condition involving high blood pressure, fever, and heart failure. Mental changes such as confusion and delirium may also occur. In Graves’ disease, there may be eye changes and skin changes in addition to the other findings listed above.

Hypothyroidism

If the thyroid is under-active i.e. produces less hormones hypothyroidism may occur.

Causes

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune thyroiditis)

Postpartum thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland after pregnancy)

Acute thyroiditis

Silent thyroiditis

Thyroid hormone resistance

Medications that affect thyroid function

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary widely, depending on the severity of hormone deficiency.

Some of the complaints experienced by patients with hypothyroidism include

Fatigue

Mental fogginess and forgetfulness

Feeling excessively cold

Constipation

Dry skin

Fluid retention

Non specific aches and stiffness in muscles and joints

Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)

Depression

Hence, if you notice any of above signs and symptoms – DO NOT IGNORE . Consult your doctor for a thorough check-up and examination. Take care! 🙂