Thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the front part of your Adam’s apple. The gland functions to secrete thyroid hormone which controls the body metabolism rate. Diseases of the thyroid are common and present indolently. Here we want to review sign and symptoms which may require you to have your thyroid checked!

Thyroid problems can result in either increased or decreased activity.

Increased activity of the thyroid is associated with:

1.    Weight loss

2.    Sweating

3.    Palpitation

4.    Dry skin

5.    Feel of anxiousness

6.    Diarrhea

7.    Proptosis (outward movement of the eyes)

Decreased activity of the thyroid is associated with

1.    Weight gain

2.    Hair and eyebrow loss

3.    Fatigue

4.    Low heart rate

5.    Feet edema

6.    Low cognitive function

7.    Constipation

8.    Depression

The change in the activity of the gland might be a temporary condition after gland infection or might be a result of gland disruption or autoimmune conditions which can lead to both increased and decreased gland function.

What are the most common thyroid diseases?

The most common cause of thyroid over activity is Grave’s disease. Grave’s disease is an autoimmune condition which results in immune body system to produce antibody against thyroid gland. Unlike other autoimmune conditions, antibodies in Grave’s disease causes increased hormone production.

In Hashimoto’s disease, the most common cause of decreased thyroid activity, immune cells infiltrate the thyroid gland which leads to destruction of the gland.

What are the treatment options?

When the gland activity is decreased, thyroid hormone replacement is the treatment of choice and requires a lifelong supplementation with drugs. Over activity of the gland is treated either with surgical removal of all or part of the gland or is treated with radioactive ablation therapies. In either condition, replacement of thyroid hormones might be necessary.