The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland which makes hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism.
A well-working thyroid [1] keeps the body’s temperature at a normal level, [2] supports normal growth and cell turnover, [3] maintains a normal heart rate, [4] burns calories in a regular and expected fashion, and [5] maintains bone breakdown and reabsorption. As a result, if your thyroid hormone production becomes imbalanced (too high or too low), your thyroid can potentially have a negative effect on your overall health.
Hyperthyroidism The thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. This can cause many of your body’s functions to speed up. Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism but, it can also be caused by: [1] overactive thyroid nodules, [2] thyroid gland inflammation, [3] too much iodine intake, [4] taking too much thyroid hormone medication, [5] non-cancerous pituitary gland tumor.
Hypothyroidism Your thyroid gland is underactive and can’t produce enough of its hormones. This can cause some of your body’s functions to slow down. Hypothyroidism is often caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroidectomy (surgery to remove part/all of your thyroid gland), or damage from radiation treatment. It can also be caused by [1] thyroiditis, [2] congenital hypothyroidism, [3] iodine deficiency, [4] pituitary gland or hypothalamus disorders, [5] medications (including heart, cancer & bipolar disorder meds). Preventing thyroid dysfunction In most cases, you can’t prevent hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. In countries with a high rate of iodine deficiency, hypothyroidism is common. Hyperthyroidism is often caused by Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease that’s not preventable. In rare cases, your thyroid can become overactive if you eat too many foods that contain iodine, such as table salt, fish, and seaweed. When to see a doctor
feeling a nodule or lump on either side of your larynx (voicebox)
experiencing weight loss or gain that you can’t explain by changes in diet or activity level
constantly feeling very hot or very cold
experiencing mood changes, such as depression, anxiety, or nervousness
feeling a sense of significant fatigue
תגובות