The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck just below the voice box (larynx). It is shaped like a shield, with two sides or lobes, which are connected by a narrow area called the isthmus.
The thyroid gland produces hormones which are essential for life and have many effects on metabolism, growth and development. Iodine is the chief component of thyroid hormones and is essential for their production. We get our iodine from the water we drink and the food that we eat, including iodized salt, a main source of our iodine intake.
Several diseases of the thyroid gland are very common, affecting millions of Americans. The most common diseases are an under-active gland, an over-active gland and finally the presence of lumps or masses in the thyroid gland itself.
Hypothyroidism, a lack of thyroid hormone, occurs more frequently as we age and is most common in women. The symptoms of low thyroid include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin and/or hair, intolerance to cold, depression and menstrual irregularities. This condition is easily diagnosed through blood tests which show a decline in one or both of the two thyroid hormones.
Hyperthyroidism means your thyroid makes too much hormone. With too much hormone you may lose weight quickly, have a fast heartbeat, sweat a lot, or feel nervous and moody. You may have no symptoms at all but may notice an enlargement in your neck or a bulging of your eyes. Luckily, hyperthyroidism is easily treated. Usually medication is able to correct the problem. Sometimes radioactive iodine is necessary if the medication route was ineffective.
Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths or lumps in the gland. Usually these lumps have no accompanying symptoms; rarely, they cause difficulty swallowing or breathing. Occasionally a lump may cause the symptoms of over-active thyroid as described above. Most nodules are not cancerous and do not require treatment at all. An ultrasound and biopsy may be necessary to make this determination. The treatment of these nodules would be determined by the pathology (benign vs. malignant) and any symptoms a patient may be experiencing.
For more information or to schedule an examination, call Caring for You at 661-284-2400.