The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped organ found at the base of the neck. This gland may be small, but it plays an important role in the body. It has a significant influence on the functioning of some of the body’s main organs such as the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. Any problem in the thyroid gland can have an impact on any of the functioning of these organs.
Hypothyroidism vs Hyperthyroidism
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism affect the thyroid gland. However, each has different effects on the body.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland can’t make enough thyroid hormone for the body to function normally. It is known to be more common in women than in men.
Patients with hypothyroidism have too little thyroid hormone in the blood, resulting in slower body processes. Because of this, they feel tired easily, get cold easily, become forgetful and depressed, experience constipation, and their skin tends to be drier.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is the opposite of hypothyroidism. In this condition, there is too much thyroid hormone in the blood.
Patients with hyperthyroidism have an overactive thyroid, which may result from conditions like Graves’ disease and from having lumps or nodules in the thyroid gland. When these lumps and nodules grow, they can increase the total output of thyroid hormone in the blood.
Too much thyroid hormone can speed up certain body processes, resulting in palpitations, hand tremors, irritability, nervousness, anxiety, difficulty in falling asleep, thinning of the skin and hair, weight loss, and muscle weakness.
Managing Thyroid Problems
Thyroid problems can often be resolved with medication. But if they are not, there are surgical options. The appropriate choice of treatment for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism will depend on one’s age, the severity of one’s condition, and other medical conditions one may have that can influence one’s general health.
If you are suffering from thyroid disease that necessitates surgical treatment, the experts at Premier Surgical in Knoxville will evaluate your condition and recommend the surgical option that is most appropriate for you.