Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Disease Problems

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland, located in the distal (lower) anterior (front) of the neck, on top of and wraps around the trachea (windpipe). It is responsible for producing and secreting thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism

Two types of thyroid hormone:

The thyroid creates thyroglobulin, a protein, then attaches atoms of iodine to it producing the following thyroid hormones:

1. T3: has three atoms of iodine


2. T4: has four atoms of iodine

Insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone will affect the heart, brain, intestines and other body systems. Abnormalities in the size of the thyroid, caused by tumors or nodules, by can cause problems in breathing and swallowing. If the thyroid becomes diseased requiring it's removal, the hormones can be replaced by thyroid hormone medications prescribed by your doctor.

Common Thyroid Conditions:

Hyperthyroidism: Is an overactive thyroid that makes too much thyroid hormone.

Hypothyoidism: Is an underactive thyroid characterized by the thyroid not producing enough hormone.

Autoimmune disease: The immune system launches an attack against the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much or too little thyroid hormone.

Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Disease:

Hyperthyroidism:

• Feeling warm


• Increased perspiration


• Weakness and fatigue


• Trembling hands


• Rapid heartbeat


• Weight loss


• Diarrhea


• Irritability / anxiety


• Eye discomfort


• Menstrual changes


• Inability to conceive

Hypothyroidism:

• Fatigue


• Depression


• Sluggishness


• Feeling cold


• Weight gain of 5–10 pounds


• Dry hair and skin


• Constipation


• Menstrual changes

Graves Disease: An autoimmune disease of the overactive thyroid characterized by the immune system attacking the thyroid, resulting in an over production of thyroid hormone.

Hashimoto’s Disease: An autoimmune disorder causing the immune system to attack the thyroid, resulting insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone produced.

Thyroid Nodules: Marked by a lump or swelling in the thyroid gland. Nodules are mostly benign, but increased growth can result in difficulty in breathing and swallowing.
Thyroid nodules are not caused by an underactive or overactive thyroid, and usually have no symptoms. Many times they are found via physical examination or when their presence becomes problematic, such as when there are difficulties in breathing or swallowing or when they become very large.

How are nodules diagnosed?

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy: A thin needle is inserted into the thyroid nodules and extracts fluid or cells, which are then tested for the presence of cancer.
Thyroid Scan: The patient drinks, or swallows a pill containing the iodine. You will then wait for the iodine to be taken up by the thyroid - usually about 4 hours. At this time you lie under a scintography camera, that takes pictures of the amount of iodine taken up by the thyroid.

Thyroid Ultrasound: A picture of the thyroid nodule shows the size and shape of the nodule and whether it is solid or filled with fluid, as well as location. for needle biopsy.

Risk Factors for Thyroid Disease:

• Women are at higher risk than men


• Age


• Family history of thyroid or autoimmune problems


• Being pregnant or within the first year after childbirth


• Smoking


• Excessive radiation exposure


• Iodine exposure to contrast dye or surgical antiseptic


• Neck trauma, biopsy, injection, or surgery


• Stressful life events

If you suspect that your thyroid is behaving abnormally, consulting with your health care provider for examination and testing as soon as possible can prevent the problem from becoming overwhelming, as well as avoiding complications.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT