Thyroid Disorders
The thyroid gland is in the neck right in front of the trachea. It controls our basal body metabolism, temperature, along with many different things. At Dr. Sayyed, Burr Ridge, La Grange, Hinsdale, Chicago, we know the value of the thyroid and its hormones in controlling our bodies. Unfortunately, the thyroid isn’t impervious to diseases.
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It can be affected by conditions that can cause an increase in function, hyperthyroidism, or a decrease in function, hypothyroidism. Each problem needs to be dealt with differently to bring the patient to a stable state, which is something we understand at Dr. Sayyed. The thyroid gland can also have cysts or nodules that aren’t affecting its function but still need to be assessed properly.
Hyperthyroidism
When the thyroid is producing more thyroid hormone than normal, the disease is called hyperthyroidism. There are many different causes of hyperthyroidism. It might develop due to autoimmune disease, or it can be idiopathic, among other things.
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Hyperthyroidism symptoms are easy to notice. A patient will come in with insomnia, sweating, tremors, increased appetite but a loss of weight, and even palpitations. Those with autoimmune hyperthyroidism can have eye changes like lid retraction or infrequent blinking too.
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Those with hyperthyroidism need drugs or surgery to suppress the function of their thyroid gland. A hyper-functioning thyroid can lead to heart failure and disturbances if left unchecked.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism. Here, the gland is working less than it’s supposed to and not producing enough thyroid hormone. Patients can get hypothyroidism due to different reasons too.
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The symptoms of hypothyroidism are also easy to recognize. Patients present with excess sleepiness, slow reactions, slow heart rates, hair loss, weight gain despite a lack of appetite, and potentially skin changes.
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Hypothyroidism is also bad for the body and can be treated by giving thyroid hormone in the form of medication. It can take time to adjust how much thyroid hormone you need daily as each person has different requirements.
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Thyroid disorders aren’t to be taken lightly. They don’t just affect the heart, but almost the entire body. At Lau Medical, we can help you in any way we can.