The thyroid is a gland located at the base of the neck as seen in the above diagram.  The thyroid releases a hormone that affects literally all functions in the body.  The pituitary gland at the base of the brain controls the thyroid and usually keeps the amount of hormone at a constant level.  An increase in thyroid hormone and the body functions literally speed up.  A decrease, and the body functions slow down.   Generally problems with the thyroid are more prevalent among the elderly but they can also occur at any age.

A simple blood test can determine what amount of thyroid hormone is circulating in the blood.  If there is too much thyroid hormone in the blood, the resulting condition is called hyperthyroidism.

SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTHYROIDISM (overactive thyroid) may include:

1.  night sweats

2.  chronic fatigue with lack of energy

3.  weight loss

4.  difficulty sleeping

5.  hair loss

6.  diarrhea

7.  difficulty concentrating

8.  muscle weakness

9.  rapid or irregular heart beat

10. shortness of breath

11. nervousness

12. mood swings

13. irritated. itchy, puffy-looking eyes

14. an enlarged thyroid gland which appears like a swelling in the neck

15. abnormal discomfort in warm temperatures

16. damp skin

17. trembling hands

Hyperthyroidism may be confused with other diseases so it is important that a physician make a diagnosis and prescribe a plan of treatment.  Usually prescription drugs will return thyroid hormone levels to normal.  If this proves impossible, iodine treatment to destroy part of the thyroid may be recommended.  In some rare cases, surgery may be required.

SYMPTOMS – IN THOSE WITH HYPERTHYROIDISM – THAT NEED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION

a.  abnormally high or low blood pressure

b.  sudden, unexpected weight loss

c.  fever

d.  extreme fatigue or weakness

e.  sudden heavy sweating or discomfort with warm temperatures

f.  restlessness or delirium

g.  irregular or rapid heartbeat

If there is too little thyroid hormone in the blood, the resulting condition is called hypothyroidism.

SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM (under active thyroid) may include:

1.  sensitivity to cold

2.  constipation

3.  weight gain

4.  slow heart beat and slow reflexes

5.  irritability

6.  swelling of the arms, legs, hands, feet, and face

7. hoarseness of voice

8.  memory loss

9.  chronic fatigue

10. weakness and sluggish actions

11. abnormal menstrual cycles.

12. dry brittle nails, dry skin, dry brittle hair

13. hair loss

14. an enlarged thyroid gland

Hypothyroidism necessitates a medication that provides your body with just the right amount of synthetic thyroid hormone.  It is essential that medications be taken regularly.  Most are taken for the lifetime of the patient.

SYMPTOMS – IN THOSE WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM – THAT NEED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION  – if they persist in spite of thyroid treatment

a.  weakness or fatigue

b.  persisting constipation

c.  memory problems

d.  depression

e.  difficulty concentrating

f.  extreme sensitivity to cold

g.  dry brittle nails and skin, and hair loss

If you suspect you may have a thyroid problem, and especially if you have had any radiation exposure, see your family physician immediately.

Untreated thyroid disease can cause serious health problems leading up to possible coma and death.

Thyroid disease also occurs in dogs and cats.

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