Hormonal Disorders

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on hyperthyroidism. Thyroid Foundation of America (TFA)  Phone: 800-832-8321 www.tsh.org American Autoimmune Related Disease Association  http://www.aarda.org/ National Graves’ Disease Foundation (NGDF)  Phone: 828-877-5251 www.ngdf.org American Thyroid Association  www.thyroid.org Healthfinder, an Internet health information service developed in conjunction with the US Department of Health and Human Services.  www.healthfinder.gov […]

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which there is too little thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. The thyroid gland, which produces the thyroid hormones, is said to be “underactive,” because it does not produce enough thyroid hormone for the body to function normally. Inadequate production of thyroid hormone affects stimulation of cells and organs in the body. The

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which there is overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland, causing the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood to be too high. People who have it are often said to have an “overactive thyroid”. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck below and

The vast majority of cases of hypothyroidism (roughly 95% or more) are caused by a problem within the thyroid gland. A much smaller number of cases (roughly 5% or less) are caused by a problem in the brain or pituitary gland, a small gland located beneath the brain. The causes of hypothyroidism include: A condition

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

How serious hyperthyroidism is depends on the severity of the condition causing it. In people whose thyroid hormone levels are only slightly elevated, the symptoms will be fewer and less severe than for those with very high levels of circulating thyroid hormone. The seriousness of hyperthyroidism also depends on how well the body can compensate

There is no known cure for Graves’ disease. Three forms of therapy are available for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. These therapies work by decreasing the amount of thyroid hormone made by the thyroid gland; therefore, an excess amount of hormone does not get into the bloodstream. The treatments available are: Anti-thyroid drugs Radioactive iodine, also