The main function of our thyroid gland is to regulate our metabolic rate. This means that the thyroid controls how fast or how slow our metabolism should be. Aside from that, thyroid hormones have an influence in the function of almost all the organs of our body. Thyroid conditions can greatly affect the daily life of the person it inflicts. This condition can stay hidden for years without being noticed by its victim until the time its symptoms becomes more severe.  

In this article, we will discuss the different thyroid conditions that plagues millions of people around the world.

 Hyperthyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a thyroid condition that increases the body’s metabolic rate due to an overactive thyroid gland. The most common cause of this disease is autoimmune disease. This condition is when the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid because it believes that it is a foreign body. The true exact nature of this genetic abnormality still eludes medical experts.

Symptoms And Signs Of Hyperthyroidism

• Palpitations
• Heat intolerance
• Nervousness
• Insomnia
• Breathlessness
• Increased bowel movements
• Light or absent menstrual periods
• Fatigue
• Fast heart rate
• Trembling hands
• Weight loss
• Muscle weakness
• Warm moist skin
• Hair loss
• Staring gaze

Take note that the words symptoms and signs have totally different meaning and should not be confused with one another. Signs are things that can be detected or measured by a medical expert. On the other hand, symptoms are conditions that a patient can feel or notice.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a thyroid condition where the thyroid gland excretes low amounts of thyroid hormones. Because of this, our body’s metabolic rates slows down. Another side effect of this condition is the decrease of our body temperature.

Symptoms and Signs Of Hypothyroidism

• Weight gain
• Depression
• Body pains
• Fuzzy thinking
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Fluid retention
• Low blood pressure
• Slow reflex action

Goiter

Unlike most thyroid conditions which tends to be less visible, this condition does the complete opposite. Goiter is a condition that is caused by the swelling of the thyroid gland. In this condition, the patient may feel pain and fullness of the neck and have problems swallowing and breathing.

Thyroid Storm

Thyroid storm is the rarest of all thyroid conditions. This condition of the thyroid can mostly be found in patients that have hyperthyroidism. The reason for the occurrence of thyroid storm is the extreme over production of thyroid hormones which in turn increases the complications of a hyperthyroid patient. This is the most lethal of all thyroid conditions. If left unchecked, thyroid storms might lead to death. Medical help is strongly advised in this condition.