THYROID SYMPTOMS

An overactive thyroid gland is referred to as hyperthyroidism. It may be caused by several factors including:

•	Graves’s disease. This is an autoimmune disease resulting in the production of antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland. It can be associated with diabetes or pernicious anaemia. This form of thyroid disease is associated with eye problems such as protrusion of the eyes.
•	Multinodular goitre. A goitre (enlarged thyroid) may contain multiple nodules, resulting in the overproduction of thyroid hormone.
•	Sometimes a single nodule in the thyroid gland may be responsible for the overproduction of thyroid hormone.
•	Drugs such as lithium, amiodarone can also cause hypothyroidism.

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:

• Weight loss;
• Racing heart rate (palpitations);
• Anxiety;
• Tremor;
• Diarrhoea;
• Menstrual irregularities (lighter, less frequent);
• Greasy hair and skin;
• Intolerance to warm weather;
• Fatigue;
• Muscle weakness.

Hyperthyroidism can be treated with tablets, surgery or radioactive iodine. The choice of therapy depends on the age of the patient, underlying medical conditions and patient preference.

An underactive thyroid is known as hypothyroidism. It can be caused by:

•	An autoimmune condition. Hypothyroidism can be caused by an autoimmune condition in which thyroid-blocking antibodies are produced.
•	Surgery or radio-iodine therapy. If the thyroid gland has been removed by surgery or destroyed by radio-iodine therapy it may produce too little thyroid hormone.
•	Drugs such as lithium and amiodarone.
•	An inflammation of the thyroid called thyroiditis can render the thyroid gland under active.

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Weight gain;
• Dry hair and skin;
• Depression;
• Constipation;
• Intolerance of cold weather;
• Fatigue;
• Heavy menstruation;
• Hair loss.

Treatment for hypothyroidism is usually for life. It involves the replacement of thyroid hormone in the form of a tablet called l- thyroxine .It is well tolerated and has no side effects unless a patient exceeds the recommended dosage. Overdose of 1-thyroxine causes symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

THYROID RELATED ITEMS

THYROID DEFINITION	THYROID TREATMENTS
THYROID DESCRIPTION	THYROID PROGNOSIS
THYROID CAUSES	THYROID INFORMATION
THYROID SYMPTOMS	THYROID PREVENTION
THYROID DIAGNOSIS