Know About Thyroid Disorders Symptoms And Treatment

The H-shaped thyroid gland in the lower part of the neck produces the hormone thyroxine, which in turn controls a person's metabolic rate. An essential part of this hormone is the chemical iodine, and therefore an iodine-rich diet (containing seafood, shellfish, organic vegetables, and iodized salt) is a vital self-help measure for thyroid problems caused by iodine deficiency.

Symptoms

Symptoms of thyroid disorders differ tremendously from person to person, ranging from barely noticeable to completely debilitating. For some people, the symptoms may be very severe although the thyroid malfunction differs only modestly from normal. The reverse is also true: the symptoms may be quite mild but the malfunction may be considerably abnormal. Some may remain undetected for many months as the symptoms can be mistaken for those in other conditions.

Complications

The likelihood of developing other diseases, or of having existing medical conditions worsen, can increase in those with thyroid disorders. When levels of hormones become too elevated because of hyperthyroidism, palpitations and atrial fibrillation can result. In atrial fibrillation, electrical impulses within the heart become erratic; if left untreated, it can lead to serious heart conditions like angina, or even precipitate heart failure.

Hyperthyroidism can also increase your chances of developing osteoporosis. Hypothyroidism can result in elevated blood levels of cholesterol, which is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease.

Management of Thyroid Disorders

The treatment strategy will depend largely on which particular type has been diagnosed. If you have hypothyroidism, your doctor will probably prescribe thyroid hormone replacement therapy for the rest of your life. An endocrinologist, a doctor who has specialized in the endocrine system, will usually manage patients diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, since this is a more complex disorder.

Herbal Treatment

Herbal Medicine Infusions of the herb bugleweed three times a day help slow the action of the gland.
Homeopathy A homeopath may prescribe Iodum 30c twice a day for two weeks.
It is important that you take responsibility for yourself, follow your prescriptions as directed, and attend regular check-ups with your doctor or specialist. Becoming better informed about this disorder will help you deal with them more effectively.