There are 6 types of thyroid conditions that you need to be aware of. Each one can cause different symptoms and needs to be treated differently. If you think that you might have a thyroid condition, it is important to get diagnosed as soon as possible. In this blog post, we will discuss the 6 most common thyroid conditions and what you can do to treat them.
1. Graves’ Disease
This is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the thyroid gland. This can lead to the overproduction of thyroid hormone, which can cause Graves’ ophthalmopathy (eye problems) and goiters.
Your thyroid gland makes hormones that help regulate your metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. When you have Graves’ disease, your immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to make more thyroid hormone than your body needs. This can lead to a number of symptoms, including:
- Weight loss
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Increased appetite
- Heat intolerance
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Muscle weakness
2. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is the most common type of thyroiditis and it is an autoimmune disease. This means that your body’s immune system attacks your thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis can cause hypothyroidism, which is when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones.
The symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis can include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression, and dry skin. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor to get tested for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
3. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is an abnormal function of the thyroid gland that produces too much hormone. In other words, if you have high levels then it means you are overactive and make more than what’s needed which causes hyper THYROIDITIS!
The hormones produced by this organ play many important roles in our health so when there are imbalances like higher T3/T4 ratios these can affect nearly every aspect of how we function normally from feeling energized all day long or having difficulty sleeping at night due to anxiety symptoms – even frying some parts vital for survival such as muscles and the heart.
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disorder where your body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland and cause it to overproduce hormones. Other causes of hyperthyroidism include:
- Toxic adenomas: These are benign tumors that secrete thyroxine.
- Subacute thyroiditis: This is a viral infection of the thyroid gland that can cause temporary thyrotoxicosis (high levels of thyroid hormone).
- Excessive iodine intake: Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone, so too much iodine can lead to hyperthyroidism.
- Pituitary adenomas: These are benign tumors of the pituitary gland that secrete thyrotropin, which stimulates the thyroid gland to overproduce hormones.
4. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects the thyroid gland and causes it to produce less than normal amounts of hormones. Since this important organ controls metabolism, people with hypothyroid often experience symptoms such as slow weight gain or loss; dry skin/managing hair; difficulty breathing when sleeping due in part to inadequate chest expansion on flat-topped pillows.
There are many different causes of hypothyroidism, including:
- Hashimoto’s disease: This is an autoimmune disorder where the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland and cause it to produce less hormone.
- Pituitary tumors: These can cause the pituitary gland to secrete less thyrotropin, which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce hormones.
- Iodine deficiency: Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone, so a lack of iodine can lead to hypothyroidism.
- Certain medications: Some drugs can interfere with the production or action of thyroid hormone.
There are many different treatments for hypothyroidism, including:
- Thyroid hormone replacement therapy: This is the most common treatment for hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy involves taking synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) to replace the missing hormones.
- Iodine supplementation: If iodine deficiency is the cause of your hypothyroidism, then iodine supplementation can be an effective treatment.
- Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to remove a pituitary tumor or Graves’ disease.
- Radioactive iodine therapy: Radioactive iodine therapy can be used to destroy part of the thyroid gland and reduce hormone production.
5. Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It typically affects adults over the age of 50 and is more common in women than men. There are four main types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic.
- Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. It is usually slow-growing cancer that can be treated successfully with surgery and/or radioactive iodine therapy.
- Follicular thyroid cancer accounts for about 15% of all cases. This type of thyroid cancer tends to grow and spread more slowly than papillary thyroid cancer. Follicular thyroid cancers can also be treated successfully with surgery and/or radioactive iodine therapy.
- Medullary thyroid cancer is a rare type of thyroid cancer that accounts for about three to five percent of all cases. This type of thyroid cancer tends to grow and spread more quickly than other types of thyroid cancer. Medullary thyroid cancers can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the most aggressive and rarest type of thyroid cancer, accounting for less than one percent of all cases. This type of thyroid cancer grows very quickly and is difficult to treat. Anaplastic thyroid cancers can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
6. Thyroid Nodules
Nodules are abnormal overgrowths of thyroid tissue that may be benign, though in some cases they can turn cancerous. Some people have one nodule while others might carry several at once! The condition is most common among women but men also suffer from it to an extent – especially as we age.
Now that you know the six types of thyroid conditions, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms and get checked out if you think something might be wrong. The good news is that most cases of thyroid disease are treatable, but they often go undiagnosed because people don’t realize how common they are. If you have any concerns about your health or think you might be experiencing some of the symptoms we talked about in this post, please call us today for a consultation. We would be happy to help!
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