The Thyroid

The thyroid is a gland that is located in the neck just below the adam's apple. Literally taken, "thyroid" means shaped like a shield. It is this shield-like gland that lies in front of the voice box.

Every year, millions of people experience symptoms in their everyday lives that they do not associate with a thyroid condition. That is because many attribute these symptoms to other factors such as getting old or dealing with the normal stresses of life.

Thyroid conditions occur and affect people of all ages including children and infants. About one or two out of every 100 Americans develop thyroid issues. Even though millions experience symptoms, about 500,000 are actually diagnosed each year. It can be found in men and women, but women are up to eight times more likely to develop this.
In dealing with disorders with the thyroid gland, it can be broken down into two sectors: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when there is an overproduction of the thyroid hormone secreted from the thyroid gland which will cause the levels of hormones in the blood to be too high. This case is also known as an "overactive thyroid". When the level of thyroid hormone is too high, it will speed up the body's metabolism. You may also find an increased heart rate, weight loss, and an inability to tolerate heat along with perhaps a tremor in the fingers and hands. If you are suffering from these symptoms, consult your physician for a timely and prompt diagnosis.

Hypothyroidism, on the other hand is a condition that is experienced by people that is considered the opposite of hyperthyroidism. In this instance, the thyroid is secreting too little of the hormone and is considered "under active" as opposed to "overactive".

One factor that can be considered is the lack of iodine in a person's diet. If there is too little iodine in the body, it can not produce enough of the thyroid hormone and the hypothyroidism will result. The same case can be made if there is an overabundance of iodine in the system. The production of the thyroid hormone is affected yet again and the same condition, hypothyroidism can result.

The use of iodine salt has proven to be an assistance in having people receive the correct amount of iodine. This has been achieved in developed countries but, in the underdeveloped countries, this is an issue, and as a result, some 200 million people end up with goiters. Goiters come from an enlarged thyroid which is due to an insufficient amount of iodine in their diet. Physical and mental sluggishness, weight gain and thick, dry skin may be considered symptoms of hypothyroidism.

What can be done in order to deal with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism? As stated earlier, a visit to your doctor can pinpoint whether these symptoms are associated with a thyroid condition. Medication can be prescribed by your doctor or homeopathic, natural remedies are available without the harmful side effects. Whichever route you choose to follow, please be sure that you take your cause of action seriously in order to better enhance your life for your future. Remember, others are counting on you to perform at your very best, and you can have that top performance with a proper diagnosis and prompt course of action.

1 comment:

Shirley Donalds said...

I was very sick last December and about three months out of the hospital, all my hair started falling out. Someone recommended desiccated porcine supplements and I tried it.After tracking my temperature and sure enough: low temperature. About three days after I started taking it, my hair stopped falling out and I have more energy, too.