Getting healthy seems to be what everyone is talking about now days. Why shouldn't they? Getting healthy can decrease your chances for heart disease, diabetes; it can give you more energy and make you feel better about yourself. For some people though, getting healthy by either losing or gaining weight is harder than it sounds. There are many people that may not realize that they might have a thyroid problem. The first thing to understand when talking about thyroid problems is that there are two different types: Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism.
People who have high thyroid levels or Hyperthyroidism may find that their body is in high gear. There are many symptoms that may be associated with Hyperthyroidism. Symptoms may include feeling nervous, moody, weak, or tired, having shaky hands, a rapid heartbeat, problems breathing, feel sweaty or warm, itchy skin, have fine or soft hair that is falling out, unusual bowel movements (normally more than usual), or rapid weight loss even though you're eating habits haven't changed or have increased. Hyperthyroidism may result in a few, if not all, of these symptoms. This form of thyroid problem can sometimes be caused by Graves' disease, which is when your immune system attacks your thyroid gland and causes it to produce more hormones than needed. It can also be caused by a swollen thyroid gland or from thyroid nodules, small growth on the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid doesn't make enough thyroid hormones, giving you a low thyroid level. Like with hyperthyroidism, hypothyroid ism has many symptoms including, feeling tired, depressed, or weak, having dry skin, brittle nails, and hair loss, constipation, memory problems or not being able to think clearly, and possibly weight gain. In women it can also cause heavy or irregular menstrual cycles, and if you are pregnant, it can harm your baby if it goes untreated. Hypothyroidism can be caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis or from surgery to remove the gland, radiation therapy, viral infections, and some drugs. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is similar to Graves' disease in the since that the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, but it prevents the gland from making enough thyroid hormones.
Both hypo and hyperthyroidism can be diagnosed by from either a physical exam or blood test. There are treatments for both forms of thyroid problems. Hyperthyroidism may be treated with radioactive iodine, which destroys part of your gland but doesn't affect or harm any other part of your body. It can also be treated with antithyroid medicine if you have mild symptoms. Antithyroid medicine does not harm your gland, but can sometimes be ineffective and you may have to switch to radioactive iodine. Hypothyroidism can be treated by taking prescribed thyroid hormone pills. Some people who take these pills can eventually wean themselves off of them, but more than likely you will take these pills all your life.
Thyroid problems or thyroid disease normally is hereditary. While some cases aren't severe and are easily treated, if a thyroid problem goes untreated it can become serious. If you have a thyroid problem, be sure to follow your doctors recommended treatment so that it doesn't become a serious problem. Thyroid disease may be considered as a pre-existing condition to some insurance companies. If you have any question, check with your insurance company to see if they will cover any thyroid tests or exams or if it is considered a pre-existing condition.
