“Thyroid gland” is an endocrine gland located at the lower part of the front of the neck. It functions to produce and release thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. These thyroid hormones regulate the energy usage process of various cells in the body, known as metabolism. Metabolism affects temperature, heart rate, and energy consumption. Additionally, these hormones impact almost every organ in the body, from the heart to the brain, and from muscles to the skin.
Thyroid hormone disorders can be divided into 2 types as follows
- Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism or thin-type thyroid (Hyperthyroidism or Thyrotoxicosis) “Thyrotoxicosis” (toxic goiter) is a condition where the thyroid gland is overactive, producing excessive thyroid hormones. This stimulates organs throughout the body to have a higher metabolism than normal, causing symptoms such as easy fatigue, palpitations, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, irritability, insomnia, and rapid, abnormal weight loss, among others.
“Thyrotoxicosis” is more commonly found in females than males. It is a condition where the body has higher than normal levels of thyroid hormones in the blood due to increased thyroid gland activity. This can be caused by the body producing antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more hormones, or thyroid gland inflammation causing excessive hormone release. Some cases result from excessive external thyroid hormone intake, often seen in patients receiving thyroid hormone medication for hypothyroidism or improper weight loss methods.
Symptoms of thyrotoxicosis include palpitations, rapid pulse, hand tremors, irritability, bulging eyes, hair loss, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, frequent bowel movements, sometimes abnormal menstruation. Some patients may notice an enlarged thyroid gland in the front of the neck, weakness in both legs to the point of being unable to lift the legs or stand, which is rare but can be an initial symptom. Thyrotoxicosis is treatable with continuous and consistent treatment. If these symptoms occur, consult a doctor promptly for proper treatment.
- Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism or fat-type thyroid (Hypothyroidism) or thyroid hormone deficiency is a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive, producing insufficient thyroid hormones. The hormone levels in the blood are too low, causing slower cellular function in the body, affecting metabolism. This results in slower bodily functions, meaning there is less energy for activities, and metabolism slows down. Patients with hypothyroidism tend to gain weight, have a puffy face and body, and despite efforts to lose weight, the weight and obesity do not decrease.
Women over 60 years old are more likely to develop hypothyroidism than other groups. This condition affects the balance of chemical reactions in the body. Some symptoms may appear initially, but if left untreated, it can lead to other health problems such as obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart issues.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism vary and depend on the severity of hormone deficiency. Some symptoms may resemble those of other diseases, and not all symptoms occur in every patient. Generally, symptoms gradually worsen over years. When metabolism slows down, various symptoms follow.
Symptoms of thyroid disease
Common symptoms found in thyroid disease patients include the following
| Thin-type thyroid / Thyrotoxicosis | Fat-type thyroid / Hypothyroidism |
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Since thyroid disorders can occur in all genders and ages, whether thin or obese, being observant and attentive to health is very important. When abnormal symptoms occur, consult a doctor promptly for proper treatment.
