A defective thyroid is sometimes blamed for weight gain, while ignoring poor eating habits. Yet, the thyroid is a contributing factor in weight loss or weight gain. A diseased thyroid can also be the reason one person feels as if they are freezing cold, when everyone else in the room feels comfortable.
Identification
The thyroid gland is a body organ which consists of two lobes, each of which is located on opposite sides of the windpipe in the neck. The thyroid processes the iodine from the blood to make thyroxine, which is an active hormone. This hormone controls the body's cell metabolism. The thyroid affects many body functions, such as temperature and weight gain or loss. Thyroid disease can disrupt these functions.
Types
There are several types of thyroid disease. Under-active or hypothyroidism results in a low production of the thyroid hormone. A decrease in the hormone can decrease mental and physical activity which will eventually result in hair loss, slow reflexes, poor memory, depression and fatigue. Overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism is an over production of the thyroid hormone. This can cause sweating, irritation, nervousness, and a bulging of the eyes. Graves disease, an autoimmune disorder is one common cause of overactive thyroid.
Considerations
A growth on the thyroid might be detected by ultrasound or by feeling an unnatural protrusion along the front of the throat. A physician can determine if the tumor is malignant or cancerous, by taking a sampling of the tumor's fluids. This is done by inserting a needle directly into the area, withdrawing a sampling, and sending the fluids to a lab for testing. The procedure can be done in the doctor's office in a manner of minutes, and no local anesthesia is needed for the test, although it is quite uncomfortable for the patient. Blood tests can also be taken to help determine if the thyroid is functioning properly.
Effects
If the physician determines the tumor must be removed, a portion or all of the thyroid, can be removed with the tumor. The body needs the thyroid hormone to run properly, and with the thyroid removed, the body can no longer produce the hormone. The patient is prescribed daily thyroid hormonal replacement, which must be taken for the rest of the patient's life. They are a small pill, typically taken each morning. Periodically blood tests must be taken, to determine if the level of medication prescribed is accurate for the patient. If necessary, a new dosage is prescribed.
Warning
According to the Mayo Clinic, those who have a greater risk of thyroid cancer include: women, those who have been exposed to radiation in their youth, those with a family history of the disease and women who have had a pregnancy after the age of thirty. Also, white Americans are at more of a risk than black Americans. Thyroid cancer is one of the more treatable cancers. Treatment usually involves removal of the thyroid, followed up by a radiation tablet to eradicate any remaining thyroid tissues.
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