Symptoms of Thyroid Problems
EducationSymptoms of Thyroid Problems
Millions of people suffer from thyroid problems all over the globe. The thyroid gland plays an important role in the body with several connections to body parts and organs. It makes two hormones that are secreted into the blood stream. One is Thyroxin which contains four atoms of Iodine kn0wn as T4. The second hormone is Triiodothyronine known as T3 and has three atoms of Iodine. These hormones control several parts of the body and if they fail to work, your health will be at risk.
What is the thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped organ located in front of the Adam’s apple and below the neck. This gland contains two lobes and they lie at each side of the trachea. This organ is involved in secreting hormones into the bloodstream which speed up the body’s metabolism. To produce T3 and T4, the thyroid gland requires Iodine which can be found in water and food.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a condition which occurs when the thyroid gland produces a high level of T4 and T3. Metabolism is important for generating the energy for cell functioning and growth. Yet a high level of T4 can cause the speed of your metabolism to rise. Thus, parts of your body haste up and cause the symptoms of Hyperthyroidism.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is another condition which occurs when a reduced amount of T4 and T3 is produced in the thyroid gland. Without enough hormones, the body cannot function normally. Hypothyroidism can be easily treated for both men and women but is commonly undiagnosed for several years because people mistreat it for other conditions.
Without diagnosing the thyroid problem, you will find an increase in obesity, heart disease, depression, hair loss and other health problems. This is why you need to treat yourself before it becomes serious. To find out if you suffer from thyroid problems, follow the signs below.
1) Muscle pains!
One of the symptoms regarding thyroid problem is to suffer from muscle and joint pains. These can include cramps and achiness. Both thyroid conditions can cause Myopathy which affects the skeletal muscle. This is the muscle which is connected to the bones of the body. Pain is caused by a number of conditions including biochemical substances ending up in the muscles, white blood cells attacking the muscles and the blood vessels.
Muscle pain symptoms when suffering Hyperthyroidism include:
• Climbing difficulties (stairs)
• Difficulty holding and grabbing objects
• Reaching your arms above your head will also be hard
Muscle pain symptoms when suffering Hypothyroidism include:
• Muscle pains and weakness
• Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
2) Family history!
A history of thyroid problems in your family will put you in a high risk of having the condition. Not everyone in your family will realize that they have the thyroid condition due to the fact that many are undiagnosed. If a few family members are suffering from similar symptoms like you are, it is best to check with the doctor to ensure you all suffer from the condition.
3) Hair and skin damage!
When suffering from Hypothyroidism, both the skin and hair turn very weak. Hair becomes very dry and fragile and can fall out in significant numbers. With Hyperthyroidism, severe hair loss occurs and can cause your skin to thin and break.
4) Changes in Weight!
For those suffering from Hypothyroidism, you would be one of those who find it difficult to lose weight even by maintaining a low-fat diet and exercise program. On the other hand, if you suffer from Hyperthyroidism, you will be losing weight very easily even though you might be eating more food than ever before. These weight changes can certainly be signs of thyroid problems.
5) Levels of cholesterol!
If you notice that your diet and exercise isn’t responsive to the high levels of cholesterol, it may well be a sign of undiagnosed Hypothyroidism. If the level of cholesterol is low, you might be diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism.
Summary!
Thyroid problems can go undetected but the symptoms should help you determine the condition. This disease can also cause death so it is for the best to treat your thyroid problem at the earliest.
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