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Thyroid

The thyroid is a small endocrine gland of butterfly shape located in the neck region in front of the trachea. It produces hormones that control heartbeat and body temperature. When your thyroid doesn’t work correctly, it badly impacts your body functions. 

Thyroid disorders can be minor or severe. It ranges from small, harmless goiter (enlarged gland) to life-threatening cancer. However, thyroid problems are manageable if treated and diagnosed timely. Express Tele Doc has experts in treating thyroid disorders with proficiency and excellence.

Thyroid disorders include,

  • Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid):   If your body produces too much thyroid hormone.   
  • Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): If your body produces insufficient thyroid hormone.

Causes of Hypothyroidism:

There are specific problems that trigger hypothyroidism. includes, 

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: It’s an autoimmune disorder. In it, the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid tissues. As a result, thyroid tissues die, and hormone production retards. 

Removal of thyroid glands: The thyroid glands may have been removed surgically or destroyed chemically. 

Intake of excessive amounts of iodide: Intake of high iodine concentrations reduces thyroid hormone production. Such a condition is called the ‘Wolff-Chaikoff effect.’ A significant amount of iodine is present in heart medicines, cold and sinus medicines, etc. 

Intake of lithium: Lithium is an alkali metal. It is mainly present in grains and vegetables. Its consumption can inhibit the production of thyroid hormones.  Hypothyroidism poses a severe risk to infants and newborns. Insufficient production of thyroid hormone in infants can cause cretinism or dwarfism.

Symptoms: 

  • Fatigue
  • Abrupt weight gain
  • Become sensitive to cold temperature
  • Dry and rough hair
  • Hoarse voice
  • Amnesia, etc.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism: 

Graves’ disease refers to an immune system disorder that leads to excessive thyroid hormone production. 

Toxic adenomas: The autonomously functioning nodules developed on the thyroid gland. It leads to the hypersecretion of thyroid hormone.

Subacute thyroiditis: The thyroid glands become inflamed and start secreting thyroid hormone in excess.

Symptoms:

  • Anxiety, nervousness
  • Sleeplessness
  • Abrupt weight loss
  • Become sensitive to hot temperature
  • Vision problems, etc.