When the Thyroid Becomes a Noose Around Your Neck
The thyroid gland is situated at the front of the throat below the Adam’s apple. It secretes hormones that are involved in regulating metabolic activity including growth and energy. It is important that our body is able to regulate and maintain just the right amount of thyroid activity and hormone secretion. Detrimental effects can result from either an overactive or underactive thyroid gland.
Thyroid dysfunction is very common with approximately 1 in 20 people experiencing some form of thyroid dysfunction throughout their lifetime. However, because the early symptoms of thyroid disease are often vague and non-specific, a delay in diagnosis and treatment is common.
Symptoms of an overactive thyroid include:
- Rapid heart rate and palpitations
- Tremor of the hands
- Sweating and heat intolerance
- Weight loss despite an increased appetite
- Anxiety, nervousness, agitation
- Fatigue
- Diarrhoea
- Bulging eyes
- A swelling of the thyroid gland (also known as a goitre)
- Menstrual irregularity/changes
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include:
- Lethargy and fatigue
- Sensitivity to the cold
- Weight gain despite a reduced appetite
- Depression
- Impaired concentration
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goitre)
- Menstrual irregularity/changes
What causes thyroid problems?
The most common cause of both hyperthyroidism (thyroid overactivity) and hypothyroidism (thyroid underactivity) are autoimmune diseases that attack the thyroid gland and affect the production of thyroid hormones. Other causes include thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, iodine deficiency and inflammation of the thyroid gland following pregnancy or a recent illness.
Some people are more likely than others to develop thyroid disease. Women are more likely than men. Furthermore, people with a family history of thyroid disease and people with a family history or a past history of other autoimmune conditions are also more likely to develop thyroid disease.
Managing thyroid disease:
Thyroid disease that remains untreated can, in rare cases, result in serious complications such as liver damage, heart failure and rarely death. Far more commonly, many go undiagnosed, living with minor symptoms of thyroid disease for many years. A simple blood test is all that is required to detect a thyroid problem. Once detected and treated, the effect on overall health and wellbeing can be profound. Treatment varies considerably depending on the type of thyroid condition. For the most common type of thyroid disease, the treatment is a tablet form of medication that is well tolerated.