Thyroid disease is a medical condition that causes your thyroid to produce insufficient hormones for your body to function normally.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ in front of your neck that produces hormones that help control important bodily functions.
Types of Thyroid Diseases and Their Symptoms
Thyroid diseases are classified into two types: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Both medical conditions prevent the thyroid gland from producing the appropriate amount of hormones; each has its own set of symptoms and treatment options.
Hyperthyroidism
This type of thyroid disease results from an abnormally high hormone production level by the thyroid gland. Graves’ disease is the most common cause, but other causes include non-cancerous gland tumors, thyroid nodules, thyroid inflammation, and excessive iodine intake.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include the following:
- Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Presence of enlarged goiter or thyroid gland
- Muscle tremors and weakness
- Irregular menstruation
- Weight loss
- High heat sensitivity
- Eye irritation or vision problems
After a proper diagnosis, a medical professional treats hyperthyroidism by preventing the thyroid gland from producing hormones or destroying it.
It is critical to seek medical attention for proper treatment; Christian Healthcare Centers focuses solely on patients and their physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. To schedule a consultation, please call (616) 226-2669
The following are treatments for hyperthyroidism:
- Antithyroid medication to prevent the production of hormones.
- Beta-blockers to aid in reducing symptoms.
- Radioiodine therapy to help destroy the thyroid gland.
- Surgery to remove the thyroid gland completely.
Hypothyroidism
This is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland becomes underactive and fails to produce the necessary amount of hormones for the body. This will cause most of the body’s functions to slow down.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; surgery is done in which the thyroid gland is removed or damaged. Iodine deficiency, congenital hypothyroidism, and hypothalamic disorders are some of the other causes.
Hypothyroidism symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Experiencing forgetfulness
- Extremely sensitive to cold temperatures
- Heavy and recurring menstrual periods
- Having coarse and dry hair
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
The main treatment for hypothyroidism is to take thyroid hormone pills. Consult a doctor to know the right dosage, as excessive intake will lead to hyperthyroidism.
Preventive Measures against Thyroid Diseases
Thyroid disease is one of the more common maladies millions of Americans face every year. There are some measures and choices that will help you reduce the risk of contracting thyroid diseases; these include:
Avoid Smoking
Cigarette smoke contains toxic substances that can harm your thyroid, such as thiocyanate, which prevents the thyroid gland from secreting hormones. You can lower your risk of developing thyroid diseases by quitting smoking.
Smoking lows thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which signals the thyroid gland to produce hormones while increasing the thyroid hormone thyroxine.
Smokers are at a higher risk of developing Graves’ disease, a medical condition that causes hyperthyroidism.
It is not easy to quit smoking if you are already addicted, but it is doable. You can ask your doctor about treatment options that can help you successfully quit smoking.
Avoid Certain Foods
To lower the risk of developing thyroid issues, some foods should be avoided or consumed in moderation.
Eating too much soy should be avoided, as it can lead to thyroid issues. Although it is asserted that soy is generally safe to consume, it is best to limit your intake.
A packed, processed food that contains dyes, preservatives, or sugar- and fat-free substitutes must be avoided at all costs. Trans fat, MSG, and refined sugar—all of which are present in processed foods—can harm various organs, including the thyroid.
Drink Only Pure Water
To reduce your chances of developing thyroid problems, make sure the water you drink is pure and safe.
Underground water, which is the primary source of drinking water, contains high levels of hazardous minerals such as percolates and fluoride, which prevent the thyroid from absorbing iodine and increase your risk of developing thyroid diseases.
You must use a standard water purifier or have your drinking water tested to determine if it is safe to drink.
Thyroid disease is a serious medical condition that is usually life long and has a negative impact on your overall health. As a result, it is critical to understand what it is and how to reduce the risk of contracting it.
Contracting the disease does not mean the end of your normal life; with the right treatment, you can live with the condition without restrictions.
Call Christian Healthcare Centers at (616) 226-2669 to book a consultation or if you have any queries.
