What does my thyroid gland do?
Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism and growth. One hormone released by the thyroid called calcitonin regulates calcium absorption and bone metabolism.
Two other thyroid hormones, known as T3 and T4, affect virtually every part of your body, including:
- Heart rate
- Body weight
- Muscle strength
- Breathing
- Cholesterol levels
- Nervous system
- Body temperature
The most common thyroid problems are nodules, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism.
What are thyroid nodules?
A thyroid nodule develops when an overgrowth of cells accumulates into a lump or mass. If the nodule is filled with fluid, it’s called a thyroid cyst.
About 90% of thyroid nodules are noncancerous (benign) and small enough that you might not need treatment. However, a nodule must be removed when it’s cancerous or becomes toxic, which means it’s over-producing thyroid hormones.
What causes hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when your thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of hormones. Several underlying problems that cause hyperthyroidism include an autoimmune condition called Graves’ disease, an inflamed thyroid gland (thyroiditis), and a toxic thyroid nodule.
Overproduction of thyroid hormones speeds up your metabolism. As a result, you’ll experience symptoms such as:
- Increased appetite
- Weight loss
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Dry, brittle hair
- Sensitivity to heat
- Nervousness and irritability
- Tremor in hands and fingers
- Sweating
In rare cases, hyperthyroidism affects your eyes, making your eyeballs bulge out from their normal position.
What causes hypothyroidism?
When your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, you have hypothyroidism. This condition may be caused by an autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), treatment for hyperthyroidism, cancer, or medications such as lithium.
Since hypothyroidism slows down your metabolism, you’ll develop symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Dry skin and hair
- Trouble sleeping
- Sensitivity to cold temperatures
- Depression
- Joint or muscle pain
- Hoarseness
Untreated hypothyroidism may lead to such health issues as heart problems, damaged peripheral nerves, and infertility.
How are thyroid problems treated?
There’s one treatment for hypothyroidism: taking thyroid hormones to bring levels back to normal.
If you have hyperthyroidism, your treatment may include radioactive iodine to shrink the thyroid gland or medications to reduce thyroid hormone production. In some cases, your doctor at Apex Medical Professionals may recommend surgery to remove part or all of the gland.
If you develop any of the symptoms of thyroid problems, call Apex Medical Professionals or book an appointment online.
