Thyroid disorder is a problem that you cannot ignore. The different symptoms of thyroid disorder can bring discomfort and unpleasantness. so, the American Thyroid Association recommends thyroid screening every five years starting at age 35. And People with family history of thyroid disease should get tested more frequently. this is because testing for thyroid problems can avert serious health problem. This article is a continuation of the previous post, and talks about causes of thyroid problems. So, if you are wondering about what causes thyroid problems, read on.
Who Should Be Tested for Thyroid Disease?
Every person should be screened for thyroid disorder every five years. People showing signs of the disease may need to get tested more frequently, especially women. Thyroid disease is a health problem common to women age 60 and above. Hypothyroidism often affects older women. Hyperthyroidism was common to women over 60 and especially to those who have a family history of either thyroid disorder.
Thyroid problem can be detected early on. When you look at the mirror carefully and you have an enlarged thyroid problem the bulge can easily be noticed. How? Look above the collarbone and below the Adam’s apple every time you tip your head back, drink water and swallow. If you noticed a bulge or protrusions see your doctor immediately. Enlarged thyroid is a symptom of thyroid problem.
Doctor would require a blood test to confirm their suspicion. Blood tests are done to measure the level of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). If the thyroid stimulating hormone is high, it means you have hypothyroid. If test reveals a low TSH, then it means you have an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroid. In some cases, biopsies also conducted to check for further abnormality.
What Causes Thyroid Problems
Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. What is hashimoto’s disease? This is an immune problem, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland. This disease is damaging since it prevents the thyroid from producing sufficient hormones. The disease is also inherited so if the family has a history, it is important to get tested if showing signs of thyroid problem.
There are other causes of hypothyroidism. There are cases when hypothyroidism is a result of pituitary gland problem. The pituitary gland is found at the base of the brain. It produced thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH). When the pituitary gland fails to produce an adequate amount of TSH, thyroid hormone levels drop significantly. Medications and inflammation also cause hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism also has other causes like the Grave’s disease. This is also an autoimmune disorder. It also attacks the thyroid gland, which causes the release of too much thyroid hormone. Grave’s disease most common sign is swelling behind the eyes. Hyperthyroidism can also caused by thyroid nodules. What is a thyroid nodule? Nodules are lumps that are inside the thyroid gland. The large lumps are noticeable since it looks like goiter while small lumps can only be detected by ultrasound.
Hyperthyroidism can also result from thyroid nodules. These are lumps that develop inside the thyroid and sometimes begin producing thyroid hormones. Large lumps may create a noticeable goiter. Smaller lumps can be detected with ultrasound.
When thyroid disorder left untreated it create complications. For example, hypothyroidism can increase the level of your cholesterol. The increase of cholesterol level can make you susceptible to heart attack or stroke. There are also cases that low level of thyroid hormones resulted in the loss of consciousness and drop in body temperature to life threatening level. If thyroid problems remain untreated the disorder can serious posed health problems. In fact, if hyperthyroidism remains untreated the problem can cause brittle bones and serious heart complications.
On my next post, I’ll talk about the different treatment including natural treatment of thyroid diseases.
