Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism: Common Thyroid Diseases?

Answer 1

The thyroid, a gland that is located in the neck, helps to regulate the body's metabolism, sustain the body's temperature and helps to maintain proper function of the body's organs. The two most common thyroid diseases are Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is not producing the proper amount of thyroid hormone whereas Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid is producing too much.

Causes

; the leading cause of Hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. This is when the immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells leaving the thyroid unable to produce the proper amount of hormones needed to do its job, therefore leading to an under active thyroid.

In nearly 95% of cases Hyperthyroidism can be directly linked to Graves Disease. Graves Disease is an auto-immune disease that attacks the healthy thyroid gland. Graves Disease causes the thyroid to produce an abundance of the thyroid hormone.p>

Symptoms

The most common complains of Hypothyroidism are; fatigue, dry skin and hair, muscle aches, weight gain and constantly feeling cold. These symptoms may come on slowly over the course of many years. The average person will not notice the onset of these symptoms until they become severe in nature. The severity of the symptoms will also depend on whether or not the disease is being properly treated.

The symptoms of Hyperthyroidism may also develop slowly over the course of years. Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism may include weight loss, hair loss, hot flashes, insomnia, nervousness and muscle weakness. Females have noticed that their menstrual cycles have become lighter or may disappear altogether.

Diagnosis

Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism are both diagnosed easily once the disease is suspected. A simple blood test that measures the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood is used for both diagnoses. When too little thyroid hormone is found the diagnosis of hypothyroidism is made. Conversely, when the level of thyroid hormone is too high the diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism is made.

Treatment

Hypothyroidism is treated with a man-made thyroid replacement therapy in pill form. The dose will need to be monitored until the proper level of treatment is achieved. Medication for Hypothyroidism is usually taken for the rest of the patient's life.

Hyperthyroidism is treated with either an anti-thyroid medication, for milder cases, or with Radioactive Iodine with more severe cases and for those with Graves Disease. Patients will need to discuss their options thoroughly with their doctor.