The thyroid gland is responsible for the production of thyroid hormones in the human body. It is one of largest endocrine glands in the shape of a but...
The thyroid gland is responsible for the production of thyroid hormones in the human body. It is one of largest endocrine glands in the shape of a butterfly. There are two types of thyroid diseases marked by the release of hormones. One is known as hyperthyroidism,
while the other is hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition marked by thyroid imbalance in which the thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones in excess. Excessive thyroxin circulates in the bloodstream and affects several body functions. In many cases, hyperthyroidism can be difficult to diagnose as it mimics other health problems. As excess of the thyroid hormone affects all the organs and tissues in the body, signs and symptoms for this disease can vary from person to person.
Symptoms
1. Weight loss can happen during such a time, even when your appetite and diet are normal.
2. Another symptom is rapid heartbeat; the heart rate may be more than 100 beat a minute compared to normal times when the heart rate is about 70 beats a minute in healthy adults.
3. Surprisingly there can be an increase in appetite; however, even after increase in appetite, you may lose weight.
4. There can be an increase in sensitivity to heat and therefore you may feel excessively hot.
5. You may find it difficult to sleep even when you are tired and weak.
6. In women there is a change in their menstrual patterns.
7. Fatigue, weakness and tiredness, nervousness, anxiety and irritability, are commonly found.
8. Irregular bowel movements as it may be more frequent and lose.
Hypothyroidism on the other hand is the exact opposite of hyperthyroidism in terms of its effects, as you can understand that this means there is an under production of the thyroid hormones, and have its own effects on the human body. However, it can be difficult to diagnose as there are no characteristic symptoms and they develop gradually. One must also remember that most patients who have a mild condition of hypothyroidism may have no signs and symptoms at all.
1. There is a general feeling of being tired or fatigued.
2. You may feel depressed at such times.
3. One can see a slow and steady gain in their body weight.
4. People suffering from hypothyroidism are unable to beat cold, they have cold intolerance.
5. May feel excessively sleepy.
6. You may have dry and coarse hair.
7. You may have dry skin and brittle nails.
8. Suffer from constipation.
9. Muscle cramps.
10. There is an increased level of cholesterol.
11. Decreased concentration.
12. Vague aches and pain.
13. Swelling of the legs.
