Thyroid Diseases
By: LizzyTotal Views: 256, Word Count: 448,
Thyroid is a small gland located in the front part of the neck below the thyroid cartilage, which regulates the metabolism of the body. Basically this gland functions to produce hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which transmit energy to the cells of the body. These hormones are then released into the bloodstream.
Thyroid hormones perform the function of regulating the energy of the body, regulating the body's use of vitamins and other hormones and also the growth and maturation of body tissues.
There are some disorders that result from the improper functioning of the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism:
This is a very common thyroid problem that results when there is very little production of the thyroid hormones in the body. This problem is recognized really late as it persists in your body for a number of years. Many times undiagnosed hypothyroidism during pregnancy increases the chance of stillbirth or growth retardation of the fetus. It also increases the chance that the mother may experience complications such as anemia, eclampsia, and placental abruption. The ideal thyroxin replacement dose rises by 25-50% during pregnancy. It is important to have regular checks of T4 and TSH during pregnancy to make sure you are at the correct medication dose.
Taking Levothyroxine (a thyroid hormone pill) once a day helps in curing hypothyroidism. However, doctors try to re-evaluate the dosage monthly until your thyroid hormone level is established properly.
Hyperthyroidism:
This is caused when there is an increased production of the thyroid hormone in the body. For this problem, solutions are radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid drugs, and surgery by which the patient can recover easily.
Treatment of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is primarily medical. Propylthiouracil or methimazole are usual first-line agents to block the synthesis of thyroid hormone. These appear to be equally effective and have the same rate of side effects. The rate of side effects of each medication is not increased in pregnancy.
There are some situations where all these three methods are appropriate for healing the problem properly. However, surgery is the least prefered treatment option for hyperthyroidism.
Common symptoms of Thyroid diseases are:
- Feeling hot
- Jitteriness, shaking, increased nervousness, irritability
- Rapid heart beat or palpitations
- Fatigue, feeling exhausted
- Weight loss
- More frequent bowel movements
- Shorter or lighter menstrual periods
But to avoid such problems, you can choose one safe solution that helps in improving the condition of the thyroid gland in a natural way.
About the Author
Lizzy, our health adviser has been giving tips to cure several health disorders. Her study on thyroid has given us ample information on its origin, symptoms and types of the problem. She suggests natural treatment, much on the lines of Thyromine.
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