Thyroid Conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/carolinapinesent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/iStock-176879169-1280x896.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone (TH) that controls your body\u2019s energy production and consumption. TH helps regulate a variety of body processes including heart rate, body temperature and how quickly you burn calories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When too much or too little hormone is generated, your health is negatively affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Is Hyperthyroidism?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hyperthyroidism is the name given to a disorder that results in the production of too much TH which causes the metabolism to speed up, leading to rapid or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, nervousness, fatigue, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, tremors, weight loss and increased bowel movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Causes Hyperthyroidism?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Hyperthyroidism can be caused by an autoimmune disorder known as Grave\u2019s disease, nodules, goiter, inflammation of the thyroid gland and too much iodine. The condition is usually treated with drugs such as beta-blockers, antithyroid medications like methimazole, radioactive iodine or surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Hypothyroidism?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When the opposite occurs and too little TH is produced, the metabolism slows down and results in a condition known as hypothyroidism. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Causes Hypothyroidism?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
An autoimmune disorder called Hasihomoto\u2019s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Others include an inflammation of the thyroid gland called lymphocytic thyroiditis, thyroid destruction following radioactive iodine treatment or surgery, pituitary gland injury and iodine deficiency. Treatment for this disorder involves life-long therapy with synthetic thyroid hormone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parathyroid Disorders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The parathyroids are a group of glands that produce a hormone (PTH) to regulate calcium and phosphorous levels in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bone and tooth development and strength are dependent on calcium. As with the thyroid gland, too much or too little PTH causes a variety of medical problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Hyperparathyroidism?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hyperparathyroidism occurs when too much PTH is secreted into the bloodstream. This creates an imbalance of high calcium levels and low phosphorous levels. Symptoms include osteoporosis, kidney stones, bone and joint pain, weakness, lethargy, loss of concentration, depression, loss of appetite, constipation, nausea and vomiting. The cause may be linked to a benign tumor or enlarged parathyroid gland<\/a>. Surgery is the preferred treatment for hyperparathyroidism.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is Hypoparathyroidism?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When too little PTH is produced, calcium levels in the blood drop while phosphorous levels rise. This condition is known as hypoparathyroidism and causes weakness, anxiety, fatigue, muscle aches and cramps, headaches, muscle spasms, cataracts, depression, mood swings, memory loss and tingling sensations in the fingers, toes and lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Injury to the parathyroid glands<\/a>, endocrine disorders and genetic conditions are the most common causes of hypoparathyroidism. Calcium carbonate and vitamin D supplements are given to restore the proper balance of calcium and phosphorous in the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThyroid Nodules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Thyroid nodules are lumps in the thyroid gland that may be solid or filled with fluid. They are usually noncancerous and rarely cause problems. In some cases, they may enlarge to the point of causing breathing and swallowing difficulties or stimulating overproduction of thyroid hormone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Causes Thyroid Nodules?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thyroid nodules may develop due to a variety of conditions such as iodine deficiency, excess tissue growth, thyroid cysts, goiter (enlarged thyroid), Hashimoto\u2019s disease (a thyroid disorder resulting in inflammation and reduced hormone production) and cancer. Heredity is also a factor; if thyroid nodules run in your family, you are more likely to have them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thyroid Nodule Indications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Many times, you may be completely unaware that you have nodules growing on your thyroid gland. They may be discovered inadvertently during a routine examination by your physician. If they grow large enough, they may be visible to the naked eye and, in some cases, can be felt. When thyroid nodules press against your windpipe or esophagus, they can cause you to have trouble breathing or swallowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thyroid Nodule Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nodules sometimes produce additional thyroid hormone, which causes an imbalance that leads to hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, weight loss, anxiety, tremors, irritability, excessive perspiration and intolerance to heat. These are the result of a sped-up metabolism. In rare cases, thyroid nodules turn out to be cancerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How are thyroid nodules treated?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Treatment depends on the size of the thyroid nodule and whether or not it\u2019s cancerous. If a biopsy proves it\u2019s benign and it isn\u2019t causing any outward trouble, your doctor may suggest taking a wait-and-see approach. Unless it grows larger, treatment can be avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other times, it may be beneficial to remove benign nodules. This is usually accomplished through surgery or thyroid hormone suppression therapy. If nodules are causing hyperthyroidism, you\u2019ll likely receive radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medication. Surgery is the option of choice for malignant (cancerous) thyroid nodules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thyroid Surgery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The thyroid is a gland in the neck that produces hormones responsible for regulating the body\u2019s metabolism. Too much or too little hormone can cause serious medical complications; this can occur as the result of diseases, nodules on the thyroid or cancer. In cases such as these, thyroid surgery may be an option for treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thyroid Gland Removal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When certain conditions interfere with normal thyroid production, surgical removal of the thyroid gland is performed. This is usually done when thyroid cancer has been detected, an otherwise benign thyroid nodule grows so large it causes problems, or hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone production) that does not respond to treatment with medications or radioactive iodine, though this is rare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A subtotal thyroidectomy involves removal of one complete side of the gland and part of the other. In a total thyroidectomy, the entire gland is removed, and in cases involving thyroid cancer, often surrounding lymph nodes are also removed followed by the administration of radioactive iodine. Total thyroidectomy is also used to treat hyperthyroidism caused by Grave\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Effectiveness of Thyroid Surgery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The effectiveness of any surgical thyroid procedure depends on the type of cancer present and how much it has spread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overall, the surgery is considered safe, but may lead to complications that include injury to the vocal cords and larynx (which could cause hoarseness, changes in the voice and problems speaking or swallowing<\/a>), injury to the parathyroid glands (which could cause hypoparathyroidism, a separate condition in which too little parathyroid hormone is produced), difficulty breathing and the usual risks associated with most surgical procedures (bleeding and infection).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone (TH) that controls your body\u2019s energy production and consumption. TH helps regulate a variety of body processes including heart rate, body temperature and how quickly you burn calories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When too much or too little hormone is generated, your health is negatively affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Is Hyperthyroidism?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hyperthyroidism is the name given to a disorder that results in the production of too much TH which causes the metabolism to speed up, leading to rapid or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, nervousness, fatigue, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, tremors, weight loss and increased bowel movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Causes Hyperthyroidism?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Hyperthyroidism can be caused by an autoimmune disorder known as Grave\u2019s disease, nodules, goiter, inflammation of the thyroid gland and too much iodine. The condition is usually treated with drugs such as beta-blockers, antithyroid medications like methimazole, radioactive iodine or surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Hypothyroidism?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When the opposite occurs and too little TH is produced, the metabolism slows down and results in a condition known as hypothyroidism. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n An autoimmune disorder called Hasihomoto\u2019s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Others include an inflammation of the thyroid gland called lymphocytic thyroiditis, thyroid destruction following radioactive iodine treatment or surgery, pituitary gland injury and iodine deficiency. Treatment for this disorder involves life-long therapy with synthetic thyroid hormone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The parathyroids are a group of glands that produce a hormone (PTH) to regulate calcium and phosphorous levels in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bone and tooth development and strength are dependent on calcium. As with the thyroid gland, too much or too little PTH causes a variety of medical problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hyperparathyroidism occurs when too much PTH is secreted into the bloodstream. This creates an imbalance of high calcium levels and low phosphorous levels. Symptoms include osteoporosis, kidney stones, bone and joint pain, weakness, lethargy, loss of concentration, depression, loss of appetite, constipation, nausea and vomiting. The cause may be linked to a benign tumor or enlarged parathyroid gland<\/a>. Surgery is the preferred treatment for hyperparathyroidism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When too little PTH is produced, calcium levels in the blood drop while phosphorous levels rise. This condition is known as hypoparathyroidism and causes weakness, anxiety, fatigue, muscle aches and cramps, headaches, muscle spasms, cataracts, depression, mood swings, memory loss and tingling sensations in the fingers, toes and lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Injury to the parathyroid glands<\/a>, endocrine disorders and genetic conditions are the most common causes of hypoparathyroidism. Calcium carbonate and vitamin D supplements are given to restore the proper balance of calcium and phosphorous in the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Thyroid nodules are lumps in the thyroid gland that may be solid or filled with fluid. They are usually noncancerous and rarely cause problems. In some cases, they may enlarge to the point of causing breathing and swallowing difficulties or stimulating overproduction of thyroid hormone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thyroid nodules may develop due to a variety of conditions such as iodine deficiency, excess tissue growth, thyroid cysts, goiter (enlarged thyroid), Hashimoto\u2019s disease (a thyroid disorder resulting in inflammation and reduced hormone production) and cancer. Heredity is also a factor; if thyroid nodules run in your family, you are more likely to have them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many times, you may be completely unaware that you have nodules growing on your thyroid gland. They may be discovered inadvertently during a routine examination by your physician. If they grow large enough, they may be visible to the naked eye and, in some cases, can be felt. When thyroid nodules press against your windpipe or esophagus, they can cause you to have trouble breathing or swallowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nodules sometimes produce additional thyroid hormone, which causes an imbalance that leads to hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, weight loss, anxiety, tremors, irritability, excessive perspiration and intolerance to heat. These are the result of a sped-up metabolism. In rare cases, thyroid nodules turn out to be cancerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Treatment depends on the size of the thyroid nodule and whether or not it\u2019s cancerous. If a biopsy proves it\u2019s benign and it isn\u2019t causing any outward trouble, your doctor may suggest taking a wait-and-see approach. Unless it grows larger, treatment can be avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other times, it may be beneficial to remove benign nodules. This is usually accomplished through surgery or thyroid hormone suppression therapy. If nodules are causing hyperthyroidism, you\u2019ll likely receive radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medication. Surgery is the option of choice for malignant (cancerous) thyroid nodules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The thyroid is a gland in the neck that produces hormones responsible for regulating the body\u2019s metabolism. Too much or too little hormone can cause serious medical complications; this can occur as the result of diseases, nodules on the thyroid or cancer. In cases such as these, thyroid surgery may be an option for treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When certain conditions interfere with normal thyroid production, surgical removal of the thyroid gland is performed. This is usually done when thyroid cancer has been detected, an otherwise benign thyroid nodule grows so large it causes problems, or hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone production) that does not respond to treatment with medications or radioactive iodine, though this is rare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A subtotal thyroidectomy involves removal of one complete side of the gland and part of the other. In a total thyroidectomy, the entire gland is removed, and in cases involving thyroid cancer, often surrounding lymph nodes are also removed followed by the administration of radioactive iodine. Total thyroidectomy is also used to treat hyperthyroidism caused by Grave\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The effectiveness of any surgical thyroid procedure depends on the type of cancer present and how much it has spread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall, the surgery is considered safe, but may lead to complications that include injury to the vocal cords and larynx (which could cause hoarseness, changes in the voice and problems speaking or swallowing<\/a>), injury to the parathyroid glands (which could cause hypoparathyroidism, a separate condition in which too little parathyroid hormone is produced), difficulty breathing and the usual risks associated with most surgical procedures (bleeding and infection).<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Causes Hypothyroidism?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Parathyroid Disorders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is Hyperparathyroidism?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is Hypoparathyroidism?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thyroid Nodules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Causes Thyroid Nodules?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thyroid Nodule Indications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thyroid Nodule Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How are thyroid nodules treated?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thyroid Surgery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Thyroid Gland Removal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Effectiveness of Thyroid Surgery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n