Thyroid Diseases
Thyroid disorders
Overproduction or underproduction of thyroid hormone may cause several problems in the body.
The symptoms may vary
If the thyroid gland is quite enlarged (goiter), it may affect the trachea and vocal cords and cause shortness of breath and hoarseness, and a change in the quality of voice. If the thyroid gland is not very enlarged, goiter patients may notice a fullness in the neck region, or they may be diagnosed during examination for any other reason. Signs and symptoms of hypo- or hyperthyroidism may be very different. The signs and symptoms may be quite mild (subclinical) and in this case, complaints are very mild. Sometimes a patient may be diagnosed without even a symptom.
Patients with hypothyroidism tire easily
The underactive thyroid gland causes hormone depletion, and this condition is known as hypothyroidism. Patients with hypothyroidism may suffer from malaise, getting tired easily, attention deficit, cold intolerance, thickened and dry skin, hair and eyebrow loss, hoarseness of voice, reduction of heart rate, hypertension, constipation, edema on face and eyelids and irregular menstrual cycle. Even though more commonly observed in the elderly, it may cause heart insufficiency.
It may also cause infertility and miscarriage in women. Severe hypothyroidism causes more damage during childhood because if left untreated, growth and development are delayed and mental retardation develops.
More dangerous in advanced age
Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) causes weight loss despite increased appetite, nervousness, getting tired easily, excessive sweating, hot intolerance, palpitations, diarrhea or frequent defecation, muscle weakness, irregular menstruation, and eye disorders. Cardiac arrhythmia may have dangerous consequences, especially in advanced age. Osteoporosis occurs in long-term hyperthyroidism and especially women may be prone to fractures after menopause.