The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland found at the base of the neck. It has a significant effect on the body. The hormones produced by the thyroid control every part of metabolism.
The thyroid produces three main hormones:
Thyroxine: It has a key role in digestion, heartbeat, and maintaining bone health.
Calcitonin: regulating the level of calcium in the body.
Triiodothyronine is key in regulating metabolism and brain development.
When there is an overexposure of thyroid hormones, the body's metabolism is accelerated. This can cause many symptoms, such as weight loss, hand tremors, or irregular heart rhythm.
Reasons
Graves' disease: an autoimmune disorder that stimulates the thyroid gland to release a lot of thyroid hormones
presence of thyroid nodules
Eating large quantities of food, iodine-containing drugs
Symptoms
Swelling of the neck
Muscle weakness
Frequent defecation or diarrhoea
Menstrual changes in women
Lack of weight and appetite
Heart palpitations
Depression
tremor
Sweating
Swelling at the base of the neck
Sleep Problems
Skin thinning
The Lucky Eyes
Risk factors
Women are more vulnerable than men
Having a family history of the disease
Type 1 diabetes
Adrenal insufficiency
Chronic diseases (malignant anaemia)
Complications
Heart problems (atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure)
Osteoporosis
Vision Issues
Skin swelling or discolouration
Thyroid poisoning attack (excessive and sudden thyroid activity, a life-threatening emergency)
Hyperthyroidism treatments
Use of anti-thyroid drugs
Radioactive iodine (oral) for partial or total subversion of the thyroid
Perform thyroid surgery (partial or total).
FAQs:
Are thyroid diseases contagious?
No, it is not infectious, but the genetic factor is a serious factor for the disease.
Do environmental factors affect the thyroid?
Yes, eating certain foods that contain a large amount of iodine may increase gland activity.
Do you use medications for life?
If surgically removed, their hormones must be compensated for with medication for life.
When to visit a doctor
If you notice unjustified weight loss, increased sweating, accelerated heart rhythm or any other symptoms, we advise you to make an appointment with your doctor.
