Common Thyroid Problems

Effects Of Thyroid Problems

Physical effects of thyroid problems are numerous. The goal of this article is to list and describe the most common effects of thyroid problems in easy-to-read, easy-to-understand non-medical language.

What is thyroid function? To better understand the effects of thyroid problems, it helps to know some basics about thyroid function. The thyroid gland is critical to your metabolism, so thyroid problems can have far reaching effects on your overall health, well-being and behavior. Thyroid function determines how rapidly your body uses energy, your body's sensitivity to certain hormones, and making proteins. An imbalance in thyroid hormone levels can also have a big impact, not only your emotional state, but also on your cognitive abilities like memory and concentration.

Common effects of thyroid problems Here are the most common thyroid problems and a brief description of their effects.

Hyperthyroidism This occurs when your thyroid gland "over produces" hormones. Many people call this condition overactive thyroid or high thyroid. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism manifest themselves as puffiness around the eyes (bulging eyes), sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, sleeping difficulties, hand tremors, joint pains, unusual hunger and appetite, jitters, and unexpected weight loss. 

Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism. It means your thyroid is "under producing" hormones. Hypothyroidism symptoms often include, unusual tiredness, constipation, a voice that grows hoarse, memory and cognition difficulties, feeling depressed, dry skin, hair loss and unexplained weight gain. Also see low thyroid and underactive thyroid.

Thyroiditis When you have thyroiditis, your thyroid gland is inflamed. Thyroiditis may or may not have an effect on normal thyroid function. The most common types of thyroiditis are Hashimoto thyroid disease and subacute thyroiditis.

Thyroid cancer is another disease that can have effects on the thyroid. Thyroid cancer will cause pain near the base of the neck and may also cause a lump to appear. Thyroid cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer, but it can be fatal. See thyroid cancer symptoms for more.

Goiter Another of the effects of thyroid dysfunction is something called goiter. A goiter occurs when the thyroid becomes enlarged. The entire gland may become swollen, or only smaller parts (which are known as nodules). Goiters are usually benign.

Thyroid Pain Another common effect of thyroid problems is pain. Many thyroid conditions can cause thyroid pain. In many cases, you'll need to have thyroid function tests done to figure out the cause. 

Thyroid effects on the eyes One of the most common effects of hyperthyroidism is called Graves' opthalmopathy. It makes the eyes seem to bulge, and may cause irritation, pain, swelling, and double vision.

English actor Marty Feldman suffered from Graves' ophthalmopathy. His appearance led to a number of comedic roles in films such as Young Frankenstein and Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother.

Graves' ophthalmopathy is an effect of Graves’ disease, which occurs when antibodies attack the thyroid gland. These antibodies don't destroy the thyroid, but rather stimulate the thyroid cells to produce too much of the thyroid hormone thyroxine.

Graves' ophthalmopathy occurs when these antibodies attack a specific part of a protein in the cells behind the eyes. This specific protein is also found in the thyroid.

Women Effects of thyroid problems occur more often in women than in men. When a woman has a thyroid disorder, it may impact her menstrual cycle and also the onset of menopause. When thyroid problems strike young women - especially before or during puberty - the onset of menstruation can occur earlier than expected or later than expected. For more information on the effects of thyroid problems on women, click on thyroid problems in women. 

 

     

 

 

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