Thyroid disorders: What every woman needs to know

According to the reports by American Thyroid Association, one in eight women suffer from thyroid disorder during her lifespan. Being an essential part of the endocrine system, this gland secretes thyroid hormone, which helps in directing all of the metabolic functions from mood to digestion and energy. That means malfunctions in thyroid also affect other aspects of your health. Although thyroid disorders are common in women, nearly 60% of people don’t know they have it. For this reason, thyroid specialists in NJ want everyone to get familiar with these conditions.

Read below some of the most common thyroid disorders and their causes.

• Hypothyroidism -  In this condition, the thyroid gland is underactive. Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid fails to make enough thyroid hormone, causing most of the body’s essential processes to slow down. Some of the symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, heavy periods, and loss of appetite. Hypothyroidism usually occurs due to swelling of the thyroid gland.

• Hyperthyroidism - People with hyperthyroidism have an overactive thyroid, which releases too many hormones. Common signs of this condition include anxiety, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and increase in appetite. Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Graves disease is a condition when the body’s immune system starts attacking the thyroid and overproduce thyroid hormones.

• Goiter - Goiter is a condition with an enlarged thyroid. Hyper, as well as hypothyroidism, can lead to swelling in the thyroid. A group of nodules can also cause a goiter, and thyroid cancer, thyroiditis, and hormonal changes during pregnancy. You will also develop goiter if you lack iodine in your body.

• Thyroid cancer - As per the National Cancer Institute, there were nearly 62, 450 cases of thyroid cancer in 2014. Thyroid cancer doesn’t show any symptom, but just develop a goiter or nodules that usually don’t affect the thyroid’s function. Over time, cancerous nodules grow, you may feel neck pain, a hoarse voice, or difficulty in swallowing.

These are some of the common thyroid disorders that every woman needs to know. If you’re looking for thyroid specialists in NY, contact NJ Doctors Urgent Care.