In the middle of our neck, there is an organ shaped like a butterfly, called the thyroid gland. As the largest endocrine gland in the body, the thyroid gland is known as the “human engine”. But in recent years, the failure rate of people’s “engine” has increased significantly. The thyroid gland of the country is getting unhealthy. The incidence of thyroid disease is second only to diabetes, as seen in the outpatient clinics of major hospitals. Thyroid nodules, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer have also become the most common thyroid problems that plague the nation. Without or with more of these “hormones”, the body’s energy metabolism, body temperature, heart, brain, muscles and other organs will not work properly and may even be life-threatening.
We need to understand
First, we need to know that the incidence of thyroid disease is increasing.
More than 300 million people worldwide suffer from thyroid disease, but 50% of these patients are unaware of the disease. Moreover, thyroid disease is not a disease of the elderly. More and more young people, especially young women, have a high incidence of this disease.
According to the epidemiological findings of thyroid diseases, the prevalence of hypothyroidism has reached 6.5% and hyperthyroidism 3.7%, which means that there are 140 million people with abnormal thyroid function in China. More seriously, thyroid cancer has become a common malignant tumor of the head and neck, accounting for about 35% of all malignant tumors of the head and neck.
II. Possible Causes
Why are there more and more thyroid diseases? The reason is that the history of irradiation in the neck, especially in early childhood, is a known high risk factor for thyroid cancer. Both iodine deficiency and excessive iodine intake may lead to thyroid nodules. In addition, mental and emotional fluctuations can eventually lead to the appearance of nodules.
III. Clinical manifestations.
Patients with thyroid disorders have different symptoms. Patients with hypothyroidism often have the following symptoms: fatigue, easy sleepiness and/or weakness, fear of cold, memory loss, weight gain and loss or difficulty losing weight (even with controlled diet and exercise), depression, constipation, menstrual disorders and/or infertility, joint and muscle pain, thinning and brittle hair and nails and/or dry, flaky skin. Patients with hyperthyroidism often exhibit: eating as usual but losing weight, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, anger, rapid heart rhythm (often over 100 beats per minute), protruding eyes, staring, hand tremors, muscle weakness, fatigue, hair loss, increased bowel movements, faster nail growth than before, thin and extra smooth skin, fear of heat, sweating, and menstrual disorders. It is often mistaken for other diseases such as pregnancy, menopause or depression.
Fourth, the following symptoms deserve your attention.
When is your thyroid going wrong: Do you feel tired day in and day out? Do you have dizziness, weight gain, chills, or hair loss? Or is it the opposite situation for you: leaping around a lot? Sweating a lot? Or anxious and restless? Your thyroid may be the culprit. This huge regulator of the body and mind can sometimes go wrong, especially in women. Proper treatment is vital so you can feel in good shape and avoid serious health problems.
Symptom 1: Weight gain or loss
Unexplained weight change is one of the most common signs of thyroid dysfunction. Weight gain is a sign of low levels of thyroid hormones, also known as hypothyroidism. Conversely, if the thyroid produces more hormones than your body needs, you may experience unexpected weight loss. This is called hyperthyroidism. (For comparison) Low thyroid is more common.
Symptom 2: Swelling in the neck
A swelling or enlargement of the neck is a clear sign that something is wrong with the thyroid gland. An enlarged thyroid gland can occur in both hypo- and hyperthyroidism. Sometimes it is due to nail cancer or a nodular goiter with a mass inside the thyroid gland. It may also be due to other causes not related to the thyroid.
Symptom 3: Change in heart rate
Thyroid hormones can affect almost every organ in the body, and can also affect the heart rate. Patients with low thyroid can have a slow heart rate, while hyperthyroidism is the opposite. And it can lead to increased blood pressure and heart palpitations.
Symptom 4: Changes in energy or temperament
Thyroid dysfunction can lead to significant changes in energy levels and temperament. Patients with low thyroid can feel tired, slow to respond and depressed. Patients with hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, sleep disturbances, irritability, and irritability.
Symptom 5: Hair loss
Hair loss is another sign of thyroid imbalance. It is present in all cases of low thyroid and hyperthyroidism. In the vast majority of cases, hair will grow back when thyroid function returns to normal.
Symptom 6: Fear of cold or heat
Thyroid dysfunction disrupts the body’s ability to regulate body temperature. Patients with hypothyroidism often feel colder than usual. Hyperthyroidism, on the contrary, sweats a lot and is afraid of heat.
Other symptoms of hypothyroidism
Dry skin and brittle nails, numbness and tingling in the fingers, constipation, prolonged periods, muscle weakness or hand tremors, vision problems, diarrhea, irregular periods, and
What’s best for you?
If you are concerned that you may have too much thyroid hormone, you should describe your symptoms to your doctor. A simple blood test is the first step in making a diagnosis. With this, you and your doctor will be able to decide what to do next. If treatment is needed, the important thing for you to do is to let your doctor know of any concerns or questions you may have about available treatment options. Remember that thyroid disorders are common and the causes of hyperthyroidism are easily diagnosed and treated for connoisseurs.