Thyroid – Hyper and Hypo

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 the abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much thyroid hormone results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism.

What should you pay attention to?

Hyperthyroidism

When the thyroid makes too much thyroid hormone, your body uses energy too quickly. This is called hyperthyroidism. Using energy too quickly will do more than make you tired — it can make your heart beat faster, cause you to
lose weight without trying and even make you feel nervous. 

Here, the gland makes excessive amounts of the T3 and T4 hormones. This usually occurs due to one of 3 major ways:

Thyroiditis – an often painful (but not always) condition caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland
Thyroid nodules – These are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules can cause either hypo- or hyperthyroidism.
Graves’ disease – This is an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, but one which has the opposite effect. Like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease can run in families.

Depending on the cause, medications, radioactive iodine or surgery can be the treatment options in hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms
– Tremor
– Nervousness
– Fast heart rate
– Fatigue
– Intolerance for heat
– Increase in bowel movements
– Increased sweating
– Concentration problems
– Unintentional weight loss
– Hypothyroidism

When you have too little thyroid hormone in your body, it can make you feel tired, you might gain weight and you may even be unable to tolerate cold temperatures.

Hypothyroidism can be treated by replacement therapy which improves your thyroid function by restoring hormone levels.

The most common cause for hypothyroidism is a condition known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – it is an autoimmune condition (a disease where the body is attacked by its own immune system). Hashimoto’s thyroiditis has been known to run in families.

Symptoms
– Fatigue
– Poor concentration or feeling mentally "foggy"
– Dry skin
– Constipation
– Feeling cold
– Fluid retention
– Muscle and joint aches
– Depression
– Prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding in women

While both can be treated by doctors, exercising caution is of utmost importance.

Prevention Tips
– Avoid processed foods
– Avoid soy
– Stop smoking
– Reduce stress
Take precautions and stay healthy.