What Are Thyroid Problems?
Through the hormones it produces, the thyroid gland influences almost all of the metabolic processes in your body. Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much of these vital body chemicals results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism.
Although the effects can be unpleasant or uncomfortable, most thyroid problems can be managed well if properly diagnosed and treated.
What Causes Them?
All types of hyperthyroidism are due to an overproduction of thyroid hormones, but the condition can occur in several ways: In Graves' disease, the release of excess hormones is triggered by an autoimmune disorder. For some unknown reason, the body attacks the thyroid, causing it to spill out too much hormone. At other times, nodules called toxic adenomas develop in the thyroid gland and begin to secrete thyroid hormones, upsetting the body's chemical balance; some goiters may contain several of these nodules. In subacute thyroiditis, inflammation of the thyroid causes the gland to "leak" excess hormones, resulting in temporary hyperthyroidism that generally lasts a few weeks but may persist for months. Although rare, hyperthyroidism can also develop from pituitary gland malfunctions or from cancerous growths in the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism, by contrast, stems from an underproduction of thyroid hormones. Since your body's energy production requires certain amounts of thyroid hormones, a drop in hormone production leads to lower energy levels. A common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks thyroid tissue. The tissue eventually dies and stops producing hormones.
Hypothyroidism can also result when the thyroid gland has been surgically removed or chemically destroyed as treatment for hyperthyroidism. If you are exposed to excessive amounts of iodide -- perhaps from a hidden source such as cold and sinus medicines, the heart medicine amiodarone or from certain contrast dyes given before some x-rays -- you may be at greater risk for developing hypothyroidism, especially if you have had thyroid problems in the past. The drug lithium has also been linked as a cause of hypothyroidism. Untreated for long periods of time, hypothyroidism can bring on a myxedema coma, a rare but potentially fatal condition that requires immediate hormone injections.
Hypothyroidism poses a special danger to newborns and infants. A lack of thyroid hormones in the system at an early age can lead to the development of cretinism (mental retardation) and dwarfism (stunted growth). Most infants now have their thyroid levels checked routinely soon after birth. If they are hypothyroid, treatment begins immediately. In infants, as in adults, hypothyroidism can be due to a pituitary disorder, a defective thyroid, or lack of the gland entirely. A hypothyroid infant is unusually inactive and quiet, has a poor appetite and sleeps for excessively long periods of time.
Cancer of the thyroid gland is quite rare and occurs in less than 10% of thyroid nodules. You might have one or more thyroid nodules for several years before they are determined to be cancerous. People who have received radiation treatment to the head and neck earlier in life, possibly as a remedy for acne, tend to have a higher-than-normal propensity for thyroid cancer.
Medically reviewed by Tracy Shuman, MD, August 2005.
SOURCES: American Academy of Family Physicians. The American Thyroid Association. EndocrineWeb.com, The Norman Endocrine Surgery Clinic. Community Health Care Medicial Library. Johns Hopkins University. US Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Mary Shoman, patient Advocate - About.com. T WebMD Drug Reference from MedicineNet:"Llevothyroxine Oral."
2006-10-03 22:44:50
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answer #1
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answered by OnionSkin 3
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I know this is in women's health, but I actually know something about this. The doctor can test your thyroid, so you can know for certain whether it's a problem. If it is, they have medicines they can give you that help.
Thyroid problems run in my family. I went to the doctor for a checkup and the blood test showed my thyroid was borderline ... something was too high. The doctor also did a vitamin panel on me, and found I was deficient in some vitamins. She gave me vitamins to take and last month did another blood test -- this time my thyroid was completely better. I think the vitamins probably had something to do with it or perhaps because I've been exercising more.
2006-10-03 22:41:00
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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Everyone has a thyroid, but some have problems with it. I have had over-active Thyroid, and you could well have a problem with yours. Ask your doctor to run blood tests to check it. If you do, it's not the end of the world. They have medicine you can take, even if it is for a couple of years. It's not that bad.
2006-10-04 00:56:06
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answer #3
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answered by gr_bateman 4
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Everyone has a thyroid. It is a gland in your neck.
What happens is, it can become either over active or underactive. Each illness producing different effects. Try google'ing it or look on www.patient.co.uk for more info. Find out what is happening to your thyroid and get some more info from your doc. Don't worry. Its completely treatable, but you may have to take tablets for the rest of your life.
2006-10-03 22:40:27
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answer #4
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answered by Emma W 4
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This actually doesn't sound like a thyroid problem to me. It sounds more like a female hormone imbalance, perhaps your oestrogen, progesterone or testosterone are wonky. Make an appointment to visit your doctor, pointing out the excessive sweating and hair growth. These symptoms might help point him/her in the right direction toward required blood tests.
Secondly, I advise that you not try to self-diagnose your symptoms because the self-inflicted uncertainty and stress will drive you around the bend. Have a professional assess your complaint, and you'll find that it's soon all sorted.
2006-10-04 04:54:18
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answer #5
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answered by Mrs B 4
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It could be a thyroid problem and if you go into Yahoo search engine and type "thyroid symptoms" it should bring up a lot of links for you to visit. If your doctor confirms you have either an underactive or overactive thyroid, he/she will give you medication which will help. I have an underactive thyroid and take one little pill a day.
Good luck
2006-10-04 03:22:00
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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Im not a medical authority and you should def go back to your doctor, but it sounds like you have a condition called Hyperthyroidism. This is when your body is producing too much of the hormone thyroxine. Normally thyroxine is a good hormone which your body needs and uses everyday, but, if your body starts producing too much of it, it can cause side effects. These include sweating, trembling and shakes, insomnia, hair loss, constant hunger, weightloss, excessive thirst, increased blood pressure and heart palpitations. Your doctor can check it with a simple blood test, and it is easily treated in the short term with medication. You are the right age for deveoping hperthyroidism, and it does need to be treated, so go back and see your doctor and tell them your suspicions.
Hope this helps.
2006-10-03 22:42:22
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answer #7
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answered by heartsongpoppy 1
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Hey there,
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even when the temperature is cool or when they are at rest. Sweating helps the body stay cool. In most cases, it is perfectly natural. People sweat more in warm temperatures, when they exercise, or in response to situations that make them nervous, angry, embarrassed, or afraid.
Excessive sweating occurs without such triggers. Persons with hyperhidrosis appear to have overactive sweat glands. The uncontrollable sweating can lead to significant discomfort, both physical and emotional. When excessive sweating affects the hands, feet, and armpits, it is called primary or focal hyperhidrosis. In most cases, no cause can be found. It seems to run in families.
If the sweating occurs as a result of another medical condition, it is called secondary hyperhidrosis. The sweating may be all over the body or it may be in one area.
In both cases you'll find on this site some good tips to solve your problem: http://hyperhidrosis.toptips.org
Good Bye
2014-09-16 04:23:32
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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Thyroid disease is one of the most common health problems we face today. From a practical standpoint, there are many ways to approach this issue. Learn here https://tr.im/W7zzq
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is a very common problem, and there are many reasons for this, including drinking chlorinated and fluoridated water, and eating brominated flour.
Chlorine, fluoride, and bromine are all in the same family as iodine, and can displace iodine in your thyroid gland.
Secondly, many people simply aren't getting enough iodine in their diet to begin with. The amount you get from iodized salt is just barely enough to prevent you from getting a goiter.
2016-02-09 23:02:31
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answer #9
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answered by ? 3
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Overactive thyroid gland secretion leads to hyperthyroidism(the symptoms like excessive sweating,increased metabolic rate,incline in the heartbeat rate and raise in the Blood pressure.)Undersecretion leads to hypothyroidism,which means sluggishness,low metabolism and decreasing mental ability)These have to be treated.Allopathic medicines are to be taken lifelong,with thier side effects and high cost.I suggest u to pls visit www.divyayoga.com site for Pranayam yoga.These are breathing exercises which will benefit u for sure.They may also advise u some Ayurvedic medicines which are cost effective,beneficial and effective.Also u dont have to be on life long medications if u happen to be suffering from thyroid ailment.Pls visit the site for knowing more in this respect about Swmai Ramdev's pranayam yoga benefits.
2006-10-03 23:15:19
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answer #10
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answered by aquarian 4
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A few months ago, I was very sick, zero energy, freezing cold, depressed, weight gain, thought I was dying. I read every word of this Hypothyroidism Revolution program and followed all the advice. My life turned around the first week. I started to feel human again. Within weeks my energy came back and I felt like living again.
Get the entire hypothyroidism revolution system today? just choose the best option for you.
2016-05-14 16:18:01
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answer #11
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answered by Marjorie 4
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