Victoria’s Read

About 200 million people in the world have some form of thyroid disease. Thyroid disorders for the most part are treatable; however, untreated thyroid disease can produce serious results in other parts of the body.

The thyroid gland is a small gland at the base of the neck. It weighs only about 25 grams. However, the hormones it secretes are essential to all growth and metabolism. The gland is a regulator of all body functions.

In Canada, thyroid disorders are estimated to affect one in twenty. Most thyroid disorders are more common in women. There are many types of thyroid disease. However, the main conditions present in most thyroid illnesses are Hypothyroidism (thyroid underactivity) and Hyperthyroidism (thyroid overactivity).

Thyroid nodules are common and treatable but should always be investigated since a small proportion of them are cancerous. Thyroid cancer, although uncommon, can in the majority of cases be successfully treated. Patients who received X-ray treatment for acne and conditions of the thymus, adenoids, tonsils and skin during the 1940’s and 1950’s are at greater risk of thyroid cancer and should be examined by a thyroid specialist.

Signs and symptoms of hypothyroid and hyperthyroid conditions include:

Hypothyroidism:
-weak slow heart beat
-muscular weakness and constant fatigue
-sensitivity to cold
-thick puffy skin
-slowed mental processes and poor memory
-Constipation
-goitre

Hyperthyroidism:
-rapid forceful heartbeat
-Tremor
-muscular weakness
-weight loss in spite of increased appetite
-restlessness, anxiety and sleeplessness
-profuse sweating and heat intolerance
-Diarrhea
-eye changes
-Goitre

Each person’s experience of thyroid illness differs depending on a number of factors; a patient will not necessarily have all the above symptoms. A physician should be consulted if thyroid illness is suspected. 

www.thyroid.ca