Thyroid disease is associated with abnormal secretion of the hormone produced by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is responsible for the secretion of the hormone triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
The main diseases associated with abnormalities within this organ include hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism
The cause of hypothyroidism is the production of too little hormone in relation to the body's needs. It occurs in about 5% of women and 1% of men.
The most common causes of hypothyroidism include:
- surgical removal of the thyroid gland, resulting in permanent hypothyroidism;
- Hashimoto's disease (chronic, autoimmune thyroiditis);
- radioactive iodine treatment;
Hypothyroidism symptoms:
- feeling cold, drowsy;
- depressed mood, depression;
- problems with memory;
- weight gain;
- low blood pressure;
- dry skin, peeling skin, pallor;
- menstrual disorders.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid produces too much hormone in relation to the body's needs. Women are more likely to get this disease than men.
Causes of hyperthyroidism:
- Graves' disease (Autoimmune disease);
- thyroid nodules.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism:
- sweating, feeling hot
- nervousness, irritability, trembling hands;
- weight loss;
- palpitations;
- hair loss;
- eye widening, redness of eyelids;
- menstrual disorders.
Treatment of thyroid disease
Treatment for hypothyroidism involves drug treatment to provide a hormone that is lacking in the body.
Similarly, in the case of hyperthyroidism, medications are given to suppress the production of thyroid hormones.
A proper diet is very important in the treatment of thyroid disease.
