Thyroid Disease
What is the
thyroid and why should I worry about it?
What are the different types of thyroid disease?
How are thyroid problems treated?
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What is the thyroid and why should
I worry about it?
The thyroid is a
small gland in the neck that takes up iodine from the body to produce
hormones that help control the body's metabolism, and regulate how quickly
the body should work and use energy. About 20 million Americans have some
form of thyroid disease, including many who may not be aware of their
condition. It is more common in women than men.
What are
the different types of thyroid disease?
Hypothyroidism is
the most common form of thyroid disease. It occurs when the thyroid does
not produce enough thyroid hormone-causing the body use energy more slowly
than it should. Symptoms may include feeling sluggish, cold, depressed,
forgetful, experiencing dry hair and skin, constipation, and increased
menstrual flow. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which
the body attacks the thyroid and keeps it from producing enough thyroid
hormone. It is the most common form of hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism
occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone and makes the
body use more energy than it should. Symptoms may include nervousness,
irritability, shaky hands, increased perspiration, warm skin, thinning
hair, weight loss, decreased menstruation, eye changes, and weak leg
muscles. Grave's disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism. It is
an autoimmune condition in which the body produces antibodies that
overstimulate the thyroid gland, so that it produces too much thyroid
hormone.
Postpartum
thyroiditis is a swelling of the thyroid that occurs in 5%-7% of women who
give birth, and can cause temporarily high levels of thyroid hormone.
Thyroid cancer.
Most thyroid cancers grow very slowly and can be effectively treated.
Although anyone can get thyroid cancer, people who as children received
head or neck x-ray treatments for tonsillitis or other conditions
(generally from the 1920s to 1960s) are more at risk.
How are thyroid
problems treated?
Thyroid disease is
generally easily and safely treated with medication alone or with surgery
and medication. It is important to monitor thyroid levels regularly with
your doctor.
from
The Office On Women's Health - US Department of Health and Human Services
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