If you suspect you may have a Thyroid Problem, you are not alone. Over twelve percent of the population in the United States has a thyroid problem. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck that produces hormones that regulate various functions of the body. Thyroid hormones can affect your energy level, metabolism, bowel movements, mood, bones, and menstrual cycles, among other things. If you’ve experienced any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from a thyroid problem.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid gland is one of the most common medical conditions. About one out of every 50 women and one in every thousand men will experience symptoms of hypothyroidism at some point in their life. It is more common in older people and women during pregnancy. Conventional treatment for this problem typically involves taking animal-derived or synthetic thyroid hormones. However, there are natural treatments for hypothyroidism.
Iodine deficiency
Although many people think that a low iodine intake may cause a thyroid problem, a lack of this mineral is not a cause of this condition. It can be detected in urine, and 90 percent of ingested iodine is expelled quickly. The level of iodine in the blood may be high or low, and a physician must order a thyroid test before making any adjustments.
Postpartum thyroiditis
Postpartum thyroiditis is a condition in which a woman’s thyroid gland becomes inflamed after childbirth. It occurs in about 3 percent of all pregnant women, but in some cases it can affect up to two percent. This disease affects the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ in the front part of the neck. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate the body’s temperature, heart rate, and energy levels. Inflammation of the thyroid can result in hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which are conditions that can lead to serious complications, such as stroke and heart disease.
Graves’ disease
Treatment for Graves’ disease and thyroid problems usually consists of various types of medication. The most common type of treatment is radioactive iodine, which is used to destroy the thyroid gland without damaging other parts of the body. This treatment comes in the form of pills or capsules that are taken orally, mixed with a glass of water. The radioactive iodine enters the thyroid gland, and the thyroid shrinks within a few months. Once the thyroid gland shrinks, symptoms slowly go away.
Irregular uptake
Irregular uptake of thyroid hormonal by the body can be caused by an overactive thyroid gland. This hormone is produced by the thyroid gland and can cause a variety of symptoms and health problems. Although this gland can produce thyroid hormone at other times, it is often inactive during certain times. In this case, the thyroid gland may be concentrating iodine but not converting it into thyroid hormone. This condition is referred to as ‘iodine uptake’ and can be diagnosed through blood tests.
Menstrual cycle changes
Often, doctors overlook the connection between irregular menstrual cycles and thyroid disease. In fact, the thyroid is a tiny gland that sits in the front of the neck and regulates many bodily functions. Its malfunction can affect the entire body, and women often suffer from irregular periods as the first symptom. However, if you notice these changes regularly, you may be suffering from hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones to properly regulate your metabolism.
Causes
There are several causes of thyroid problems. Some of them involve inflammation of the thyroid gland, which produces excess hormones. This can be short-lived, lasting only a couple of weeks, or it can become chronic and lead to hypothyroidism. In some cases, the problem may be caused by an autoimmune disease, in which the body attacks its own thyroid tissues, causing the hormone levels to become abnormal. Other possible causes of thyroid problems are anabolic steroids or infection inside the thyroid gland, or an underactive thyroid.
Treatment
A blood test can detect a thyroid problem. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones and is responsible for controlling the body’s metabolism. However, in some people, this gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism. Depending on the cause, treatment can range from surgery to medication. The most common symptoms are excessive sweating and frequent heavy periods. However, not all thyroid conditions are serious enough to warrant an urgent visit to a doctor.