Part of the endocrine system of the body, the thyroid is a gland which produces hormones that are responsible for metabolic regulation. Imbalances in this gland can have many effects on the body including fluctuations in weight, either up or down, that can not be adjusted through diet or exercise alone.
The symptoms which are exhibited depend on whether the imbalance experienced is an overactive or under active thyroid. With an overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism, there is an overabundance of hormones produced. In the case of an under active thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, too little of these hormones are produced. In either case, the result is a metabolic imbalance.
A too rapid metabolism is a result of hyperthyroidism. People with this condition will normally experience an inability to gain weight despite having an increased appetite. This is a serious condition, especially as it is usually accompanied by other symptoms of a sped up nervous system. These symptoms may include palpitations, anxiety, shortness of breath and many others.
With hypothyroidism, the opposite occurs. The metabolism is not working quickly enough and this person will generally experience weight gain and water retention. Other symptoms can include fatigue, sensitivity to cold and even depression.
Symptoms tend to appear over a period of time, perhaps weeks or even months. And, as most of the symptoms are not specific only to thyroid problems, it can be difficult for the sufferer to know that they need to seek out a doctor. For example, one does not first think of hypothyroidism when one feels unusually tired.
There are various tests that can be done to determine if a person has thyroid disease once they do seek out their doctor. Blood tests alone do not always give a correct diagnosis. As there are various causes of thyroid disease, there are various treatment methods as well.
In the case of hyperthyroidism, medication is often given which help to decrease the output of hormone levels. In this case, dosages are carefully monitored to ensure that the person is not given too much and does not become hypothyroid as a result. There are cases where the patient is able to go into remission from their disease with this treatment. Another possible treatment of an overactive thyroid is with iodine that is radioactive. There is some controversy regarding this because of the radioactivity. Surgery is an option that is generally avoided if at all possible.
In the case of hypothyroidism, treatment is almost always the taking of medication to replace the thyroid hormones. Generally, these medications are synthetic although there are some available that are produced from the thyroids of pigs.
In addition, there are some alternative therapies that are currently being used for thyroid conditions. These appear to be more effective with thyroid problems that are slight or in the very early stages. Among the therapies considered are acupuncture, herbal supplements, diet and yoga. Even for people already taking medications for their thyroid problems, natural therapy in conjunction may be of interest. - 26706
The symptoms which are exhibited depend on whether the imbalance experienced is an overactive or under active thyroid. With an overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism, there is an overabundance of hormones produced. In the case of an under active thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, too little of these hormones are produced. In either case, the result is a metabolic imbalance.
A too rapid metabolism is a result of hyperthyroidism. People with this condition will normally experience an inability to gain weight despite having an increased appetite. This is a serious condition, especially as it is usually accompanied by other symptoms of a sped up nervous system. These symptoms may include palpitations, anxiety, shortness of breath and many others.
With hypothyroidism, the opposite occurs. The metabolism is not working quickly enough and this person will generally experience weight gain and water retention. Other symptoms can include fatigue, sensitivity to cold and even depression.
Symptoms tend to appear over a period of time, perhaps weeks or even months. And, as most of the symptoms are not specific only to thyroid problems, it can be difficult for the sufferer to know that they need to seek out a doctor. For example, one does not first think of hypothyroidism when one feels unusually tired.
There are various tests that can be done to determine if a person has thyroid disease once they do seek out their doctor. Blood tests alone do not always give a correct diagnosis. As there are various causes of thyroid disease, there are various treatment methods as well.
In the case of hyperthyroidism, medication is often given which help to decrease the output of hormone levels. In this case, dosages are carefully monitored to ensure that the person is not given too much and does not become hypothyroid as a result. There are cases where the patient is able to go into remission from their disease with this treatment. Another possible treatment of an overactive thyroid is with iodine that is radioactive. There is some controversy regarding this because of the radioactivity. Surgery is an option that is generally avoided if at all possible.
In the case of hypothyroidism, treatment is almost always the taking of medication to replace the thyroid hormones. Generally, these medications are synthetic although there are some available that are produced from the thyroids of pigs.
In addition, there are some alternative therapies that are currently being used for thyroid conditions. These appear to be more effective with thyroid problems that are slight or in the very early stages. Among the therapies considered are acupuncture, herbal supplements, diet and yoga. Even for people already taking medications for their thyroid problems, natural therapy in conjunction may be of interest. - 26706
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