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Symptoms of Thyroid Disease

The symptoms of thyroid disease are going to vary from one person to the next. The symptoms depend on the type of thyroid problem. Thyroid hormone imbalance may be due to hypothyroidism – an underactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism – an overactive thyroid. For both conditions, the symptoms may develop over a variable time frame. Many of the symptoms may be mistaken for the common signs that accompany aging.

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

  • Irregular heart rate – tachycardia
  • Weight loss and increased appetite
  • Sweating
  • Intolerance to warm weather
  • Infrequent menstruation cycles
  • Frequent bowel movements
  • Emotional disturbances
  • Enlargement in neck area
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Eye problems such as eye protrusion or eye irritation – typically seen with Graves’ disease.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

  • Lack of appetite
  • Weight gain
  • Depression
  • Intolerance to cold weather
  • Reduced heart rate
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Inability to think clearly
  • Puffy face and swollen lips

If you have concerns regarding possible symptoms relating to thyroid disease, consult their doctor.

When visiting the doctor, he or she will question you about their symptoms of thyroid disorder. A physical exam will also be conducted. Simple blood tests will often be performed to determine if the thyroid hormone levels in the bloodstream are too high or too low. Once all of the needed information has been gathered from the tests, your doctor will discuss the results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

In most instances, thyroid hormone imbalance can be treated with medical management. The medication prescribed must be taken on a daily basis. After starting treatment – the majority of patients begin to notice a marked improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks time. Most symptoms should disappear altogether within 2-3 months. The good news is that both conditions are fairly routine to treat. For patients who have hyperthyroidism not responsive to medical management, other treatment options are available.

Occasional follow up visits to the doctor’s office will also be required. For patients who have hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone dosages may need to be adjusted periodically to adequately supplement your body’s thyroid hormone requirement. Receiving too little or too much of the thyroid hormone could potentially be harmful, particularly for pregnant women.

Certain signs can be easy to miss – so pre-emptive testing is recommended for:

  • Women over 60 years of age
  • Pregnant women
  • Those with a family history of the conditions
  • Individuals who suffer from arthritis and diabetes

The symptoms of thyroid disease can worsen over time if left untreated. This can affect your quality of life. It is important, especially those with a history of thyroid disorders in their family to watch out for these symptoms. Prompt treatment is recommended.

If you have questions or concerns about thyroid problems see your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.

For more information about thyroid gland disorders click here.

The post What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Diseases? appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

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When the Thyroid Gland Goes Wrong

The thyroid gland regulates some of the most important functions of the human body, and if it doesn’t work right, we can suffer a long list of problems. But what is it? And why does it matter so much to our health?

The first thing to know about this gland is how it fits into the human body. Generally speaking, there are eight main endocrine glands, of which the thyroid is one.

These glands, which produce hormones essential to the body, include the adrenal gland, which produces adrenaline and other stress hormones, the pituitary, which releases hormones regulating homeostasis, and the islets of Langerhans, cell clusters on the pancreas responsible for creating insulin. The thyroid gland, for its part, generates three main hormones: calcitonin, thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

Calcitonin is one of the hormones resposible for reducing calcium levels in the bloodstream. Thyroid hormones including thyroxine and triiodothyronine, regulate growth and functioning rates of bodily systems. Together, these hormones control the speed with which the body uses energy and produces proteins, as wells as the body’s sensitivity to other hormones.

Malfunction of the thyroid gland can lead to a number of disorders. The two most common problems are hyperthyroidism, or over-production of these hormones, and hypothyroidism, underproduction. Each of these can lead to numerous physical symptoms and problems with energy, weight fluctuations and cognitive function.

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition in which rogue antibodies force the thyroid to create too much of its hormones. Neck goitres, heart palpitations, excessive sweating, weight loss, bulging eyes, irritability, muscle weakness, diarrhoea, sleep problems, heat sensitivity and increased appetite are all symptoms.

A number of causes can lead to hypothyroidism, from autoimmune disorders and iodine deficiencies to congenital problems and removal of the thyroid during surgery. Stress is a common factor. Weight gain, baldness, memory problems, cold sensitivity, slowed heart rate and fatigue are common symptoms.

Both these conditions are commonly misdiagnosed as clinical depression. The weight fluctuations, fatigue, irritability, memory deficits and sleep disturbances common to thyroid disorders all mirror symptoms of major depressive disorder.

Cancer can also cause dysfunction of the thyroid. Though it usually presents without many symptoms, a nodule in the neck may appear, and vocal changes and neck pain may develop later in the cancer’s progression.

A simple check of the thyroid gland can help detect these problems if you think you’re showing symptoms. Tilt your head back, swallow some water and watch your throat in the mirror, particularly the area between your Adam’s apple and collarbone. If you notice any protrusions, bulges or other unusual signs, alert your doctor.

If you have questions or concerns about thyroid problems see your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.

The post When the Thyroid Gland Goes Wrong appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

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What Are the Parathyroid Glands?

Peppered throughout the human body are small organs known as glands. These organs have a complex and important job without which we couldn’t survive. They produce hormones that keep the body functioning properly.

Among the most critical are the endocrine glands. These include the pituitary gland, which secretes hormones regulating growth, pain relief and sex function, among others, and the adrenal glands, which produce stress hormones. Another key member of this group is the thyroid gland, which regulates the body’s use of energy, creation of proteins and sensitivity to other hormones.

About the Parathyroid Glands

The parathyroid glands are attached to the thyroid, but despite the similar names, they play a different role. The parathyroids are usually located on the back surface of the thyroid, in the portion of the neck between the Adam’s apple and the collarbone. There are typically four of them.

These small glands release a substance known as parathyroid hormone, or PTH. Its primary purpose is to regulate the body’s blood calcium levels, a task it shares with the thyroid. It also has an effect on the body’s absorption of phosphate. See the picture below for thyroid and parathyroid gland anatomy.

The thyroid gland produces a hormone called calcitonin that limits the level of calcium in the blood. PTH works as an antagonist to this hormone and together they keep calcium levels within a very narrow range. PTH also increases phosphate absorption by activating vitamin D in the kidney.

The parathyroid glands, like the thyroid, come with their own set of disorders. Overproduction of hormones by the thyroid can lead to the well-known conditions hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Less well-known are the conditions hypoparathyroidism and hyperparathyroidism.

Underactive Parathyroid

Hypoparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroids produce too little PTH. This results in low blood calcium levels, which in turn results in symptoms including cramping, involuntary muscle spasms and unpleasant tingling. Headaches, insomnia, abdominal pain, fatigue and bone pain are also possible.

Hypoparathyroidism is a serious condition and it can cause medical emergencies, including seizures, irregular heartbeats and respiratory failure. There are a number of possible causes, such as removal of the parathyroid glands during surgery, autoimmune disorders, hemochromatosis and magnesium deficiency, among others. It can also be inherited.

Overactive Parathyroid

Hyperparathyroidism, meanwhile, results from an overproduction of PTH. Primary hyperparathyroidism occurs when the glands actually malfunction. This can be caused by hyperplasia (increased cell production), adenoma (a benign tumour) or, in extremely rare cases, carcinoma (cancer) of the parathyroids. Patients with bipolar disorder who take lithium long-term are also at greater risk for primary hyperparathyroidism, since that drug can lower calcium levels, leading to stimulated production of PTH.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is caused by any medical condition that leads to lowered calcium levels in the blood. Chronic kidney failure and vitamin D deficiency are the most common factors leading to this disorder.

About half of all patients with hyperparathyroidism are identified by medical tests before they show any signs. Low calcium rarely causes overt distress though depression, bone pain, osteoporosis, nausea, decreased appetite and kidney stones are among the possible symptoms. Bone loss is possible.

If you have questions or concerns about thyroid problems see your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.  

 

For more information about the parathyroid glands click here.

The post What Are the Parathyroid Glands? appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

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By Ashleigh Elkins

The parathyroid glands are four small, pea-sized glands that are located behind the larger, butterfly-shaped thyroid gland. The parathyroid glands are named for their location. There are two superior thyroid glands, which are found behind the top part of the thyroid lobes; one behind the right thyroid lobe and one behind the left thyroid lobe. There are also two inferior parathyroid glands which can vary in their location. They are usually found behind the lower part of the right and left thyroid lobes. In some people, the inferior parathyroid glands may be located below the level of the thyroid gland, or may be found near the inferior thyroid veins. The parathyroid glands are usually 6mm in length and 3-4mm wide.

The parathyroid glands are involved in the regulation of blood calcium levels. This is important to ensure normal function of other organs and tissues, including the heart, kidneys, bones and nerves. The parathyroid glands produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone, or PTH, which controls the levels of calcium in the body. When the level of calcium in the blood drops, the parathyroid glands release PTH which works in a number of ways to increase the level of calcium in the blood.

Parathyroid hormone functions

rci.rutgers.edu

Parathyroid hormone – PTH

  • PTH acts on the bone to stimulate reabsorption of bone which results in the release of calcium stored in the bone
  • PTH acts on the kidney to increase the amount of calcium that is reabsorbed so that less calcium is lost through the urine
  • PTH also stimulates the activation of vitamin D in the kidney. Activated vitamin D is important because it helps the small intestine to reabsorb more calcium from the diet into the bloodstream

All of these actions work to increase the level of calcium. Once the calcium levels have returned to normal or become too high, the parathyroid glands become less active and do not secrete as much PTH.

Relationship between blood ionized calcium concentrations and plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in persons with normal renal and parathyroid gland function. American Journal of Physiology – Renal Physiology Published 6 May 2004 Vol. 286 no. 6.

What is hyperparathyroidism?

Hyperparathyroidism is a term used to describe increased activity in one or more of the parathyroid glands. There are three types of hyperparathyroidism:

Primary hyperparathyroidism, where the affected parathyroid gland produces too much PTH as a result of a problem within the parathyroid gland itself. The most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism is a benign tumour within the gland called a parathyroid adenoma. Parathyroid adenomas are usually only found within one parathyroid gland, it is very uncommon to find a parathyroid adenoma in more than one gland. Less common causes of primary hyperparathyroidism include parathyroid hyperplasia, and very rarely, parathyroid carcinoma, a malignant parathyroid tumour.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism, where the underlying cause of the hyperparathyroidism is due to low levels of blood calcium, which is known as hypocalcaemia. Hypocalcaemia may be the result of poor calcium absorption in the intestines, or the result of severe dietary deficiency. Because vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption, severe vitamin D deficiency can also cause hypocalcaemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism. People with chronic renal failure may also develop secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Tertiary hyperparathyroidism, which occurs after chronic secondary hyperparathyroidism. Once the underlying cause of the longstanding secondary hyperparathyroidism is addressed, the affected parathyroid gland or glands still continue to secrete too much PTH.

Parathyroid hormone testing

Parathyroid hormone levels are routinely measured by a blood test. Intact PTH (iPTH) is the biologically active form and is secreted when the calcium level is low. iPTH is the most frequently ordered parathyroid hormone test. iPTH is used to diagnose the cause of a high calcium level and to distinguish between parathyroid and non-parathyroid causes. A calcium test is almost always ordered along with an iPTH test. The key to diagnosis of a parathyroid gland disorder is the relationship between the calcium and iPTH and the response of the parathyroid glands to changing levels of calcium.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism can vary depending on whether the cause is primary, secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism. The symptoms of primary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism are similar, because both cause a high level of calcium in the bloodstream.

Symptoms of primary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism include:

  • Bone and joint pain due to the breakdown of bone to release calcium
  • Kidney stones
  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive thirst
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Fractures
  • Gout

The symptoms of secondary hyperparathyroidism are different to the symptoms of primary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism because elevated levels of blood calcium cause many of the symptoms in primary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism; but high levels of blood calcium are not an issue with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Increased fracture risk is common to all forms of hyperparathyroidism. Underlying renal problems are the cause of many of the symptoms of secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Symptoms of secondary hyperparathyroidism include:

  • Fractures
  • Bone deformities
  • Changes to urinary habits
  • Ankle and leg swelling
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Itching

Treatment

Surgery is the most common treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism and provides a cure in about 95 percent of all cases. Your surgeon will remove only those glands that are enlarged or have a tumour (adenoma).

If all four glands are affected, your surgeon will likely remove only three glands and perhaps a portion of the fourth. This approach will leave some functioning parathyroid tissue.

Parathyroid surgery can be done through a very small neck incision which leaves a minimal scar.

Complications from parathyroid surgery are uncommon. Risks include damage to nerves controlling the vocal cords and long-term low calcium levels requiring the use of calcium and vitamin D supplements.

For more information about the parathyroid glands click here.

If you have questions about the parathyroid glands, contact your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.

The post Symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

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