Hormonal Disorders

These are two major causes of hyperthyroidism. About 95 percent of persons diagnosed with hyperthyroidism are found to have a condition called Graves’ disease. Most of the remaining persons have a condition called nodular thyroid disease. A less frequent cause is inflammation of the thyroid gland, called thyroiditis Uncommon causes include hormone producing tumors of the pituitary gland or ovary and […]

The presence and severity of symptoms are different for different persons. Although many symptoms of hypothyroidism cause distress, most are not dangerous themselves. Indeed, proper diagnosis may be delayed or missed in older adults because the symptoms are considered “just part of getting old.” An individual may not seek help until tiredness, impaired memory, or

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism is based on a person’s medical history, a physical examination, and blood tests. If a physician suspects hypothyroidism, he or she will look particularly at the cardiovascular system, the skin, hair, eyes, reflexes, and body temperature. The physical exam also may reveal an enlarged thyroid, which is called a goiter. In Hashimoto’s

Individuals with hyperthyroidism usually tell their doctors about symptoms such as rapid heart rate, intense fatigue, inability to tolerate a hot environment, and constant nervousness, jitteriness, or irritability. In addition, doctors look for physical signs such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, slight tremors of the hands, or excessive sweating. The presence of such symptoms and