Be Healthy

The thyroid, a butterfly shaped gland that rests over the windpipe at the base of the neck, produces hormones that Tgulate metabolism and many other body processes. Both an overproduction or an under production of these hormones can have a profound effect on almost all body functions. The thyroid is regulated by the pitutary, a gland in the brain that produces hyroidstimulating hormone, or TSH. A rise in TSH levels signals the thyroid o extract iodide from the bloodstream, :convert it to iodine, and create the hor Clones known as thyroxine and riiodothyronine ‘ The thyroid gland appears to be the tissue in the body that uses :line. Although the thyroid needs only every small amount to create the T 3 d T 4 hormones, an iodine deficiency 1 cause a goiter, an overgrowth of To id tissue produced as the gland .argues itself to increase its ability to react and process iodine. Goiters  become increasingly rare in the United States, thanks to the widespread of iodized salt and the consump of iodine rich seafood. estimated 10 million Americans ‘e some sort of thyroid disorder, women outnumbering men five to .

Some of the disorders are triggered ‘female sex hormones and by pregcy; they may also be a response to :excessive stress, to a disturbance in the immune system, and to occupational hazards, especially exposure to radiation and certain industrial chemicals. Thyroid disorders can occur at any age, but are sometimes hard to detect because their symptoms are easily ascribed to other conditions, especially in older people. Tht.se disorders fall into two main categories: hyperthyroidism, in which the gland produces excessive hormones; and hypothyroidism, which is characterized by too little. Approximately 2 million Americans have some form of hyperthyroidism, which tends to run in families. The most common type is Graves’ disease, one of many autoimmune disorders in which the body’s defense system attacks its own tissues. Antibodies in the blood stimulate an overproduction of the thyroid hormones, which in turn speed up metabolism.

A person with Graves’ disease feels on edge all the time; other symptoms include weight loss , nervousness, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, muscle weakness, hand tremors, undue heat intolerance, excessive sweating, and frequent, loose stools. The heart rate speeds up, causing palpitations and potentially dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. An increase in bulk of the muscular tissue behind the eyes causes the eyeballs to bulge, and in some cases, to become inflamed. Hyperthyroidism may be caused by excessive production of TSH because of a pituitary tumor, an inflammation of the thyroid gland , or development of thyroid nodules. Less commonly, abuse of thyroid pills to control weight is responsible. An acute form of hyperthyroidism, thyroid storm, may be triggered by a severe infection, surgery, pregnancy, or the sudden withdrawal of antithyroid medications. This condition is indicated by a rapid rise in body temperature, a fast heartbeat, and mental changes that may lead to delirium and coma. Thyroid storm is always a life threatening emergency calling for medical attention. Hypothyroidism , also known as myxedema, affects about 5 million Americans. Babies born with such a deficiency are at great risk for developing cretinism, a devastating form of mental retardation and abnormal growth, unless treatment begins within the first few weeks of life. Consequently, all babies born in hospitals in the United States are tested for thyroid deficiency. An autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s disease is the most common form of hypothyroidism. Named for the Japanese doctor who first described it, the disease is characterized by chronic inflammation of the thyroid, causing it to enlarge and impairing its ability to produce hormones. The cause is unknown, but there appears to be a hereditary disposition to develop it and it is more prevalent in women than men.

Hypothyroidism can sometimes result from treatment for hyperthyroidism . Secondary hypothyroidism is attributed to failure of the pituitary gland to produce the essential supply of thyroid stimulating hormone. The typical symptoms of hypothy roidism weight gain, lethargy, fatigue, and constipation emerge slowly and initially may be ascribed to other disorders. In time, the skin changes, becoming thicker, dry, and scaly; it may feel cold and clammy, and sweating diminishes. Nails also thicken and grow more slowly. The hair becomes coarse and sparse, and in young women, it may gray prematurely. Speech becomes thick and slow, and the voice turns husky. Younger women experience unusually heavy menstrual flow; older women often feel uncomfortably cold, even in a warm room. Personality changes, memory loss, and other signs of intellectual impairment approaching psychosis may be incorrectly diagnosed as a form of senile dementia.