Thyroid

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Several treatments are available for hyperthyroidism. Anti-thyroid medicines and radioiodine can be used to slow the amount of hormones the thyroid gland makes. Sometimes, hyperthyroidism treatment includes surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. In some cases, depending on what's causing it, hyperthyroidism may improve without medication or other treatment. Symptoms Hyperthyroidism sometimes looks like other health problems. That can make it hard to diagnose. It can cause many symptoms, including: • Losing weight without trying. • Fast heartbeat, a condition called tachycardia. • Irregular heartbeat, also called arrhythmia. • Pounding of the heart, sometimes called heart palpitations. • Increased hunger. • Nervousness, anxiety and irritability. • Tremor, usually a small trembling in the hands and fingers. • Sweating. • Changes in menstrual cycles. • Increased sensitivity to heat. • Changes in bowel patterns, especially more-frequent bowel movements. • Enlarged thyroid gland, sometimes called a goiter, which may appear as a swelling at the base of the neck. • Tiredness. • Muscle weakness. • Sleep problems. • Warm, moist skin. • Thinning skin. • Fine, brittle hair. Older adults are more likely to have symptoms that are hard to notice. These symptoms may include an irregular heartbeat, weight loss, depression, and feeling weak or tired during ordinary activities. When to see a doctor If you lose weight without trying, or if you notice a rapid heartbeat, unusual s...

Thyroid gland The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid, a small gland located at the base of your neck, just above your breastbone. Most thyroid nodules aren't serious and don't cause symptoms. Only a small percentage of thyroid nodules are cancerous. You often won't know you have a thyroid nodule until your doctor discovers it during a routine medical exam. Or your doctor may uncover it during a scan that was done for another health reason. Some thyroid nodules, however, may become large enough to be visible or make it difficult to swallow or breathe. Treatment options depend on the type of thyroid nodule you have. Symptoms Most thyroid nodules don't cause signs or symptoms. But occasionally some nodules become so large that they can: • Be felt • Be seen, often as a swelling at the base of your neck • Press on your windpipe or esophagus, causing shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing In some cases, thyroid nodules produce additional thyroxine, a hormone secreted by your thyroid gland. The extra thyroxine can cause symptoms of an overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism), such as: • Unexplained weight loss • Increased sweating • Tremor • Nervousness • Rapid or irregular heartbeat Only a small number of thyroid nodules are cancerous. But determining which nodules are cancerous can't be done by evaluating your symptoms alone. Most cancerous...

Problems with the thyroid include a variety of disorders that can result in the gland producing too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) or too much (hyperthyroidism). Thyroid disorders can affect heart rate, mood, energy level, metabolism, bone health, pregnancy and many other functions. What You Need to Know • Thyroid disorder symptoms depend on whether the thyroid is under- or over-producing hormones. • Some thyroid issues are autoimmune ― they are due to the body’s immune system attacking the thyroid gland. • Treatment for thyroid disorders is often successful and, depending on the condition, may involve medication, surgery or other therapy. What does the thyroid do? The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that play a key role in regulating blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, metabolism and the reaction of the body to other hormones. The two main hormones produced by the thyroid are triiodothyronine, or T3, and thyroxine (T4). The gland also produces calcitonin, which helps bone cells process calcium and add it to the bones. Types of Thyroid Disorders Many disorders of the thyroid require care by a physician or other health care professional. Hyperthyroidism Hypothyroidism Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Thyroid Tumors Thyroid Cancer Thyroid Disorders in Women Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy Thyroid hormone comes in pill form and is often used to treat an underactive thyroid that is secreting l...