Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much thyroid hormone results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism (also known as, overactive thyroid) can accelerate your body's metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Problems caused by an overactive thyroid will continue unless they are treated. In most cases, hyperthyroidism can be cured, but if left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause serious problems with the heart, bones, muscles, menstrual cycle, and fertility.
Thyroid Disorders
- Goiters
- Graves' Disease
- Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Thyroid Cancer
- Thyroid Nodules
Hypothyroidism is another serious risk of thyroid disorders. With hypothyroidism the thyroid gland is incapable of producing enough thyroid hormone to keep the body running normally. A common cause is autoimmune disease, like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and constipation. If left untreated hypothyroidism can lead to many complications including heart problems, and in some severe cases death.