Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Diseases
There are several signs and symptoms of thyroid diseases. These signs depend on the class of the disease.
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include constipation, tiredness, cold, retarded growth, atherosclerosis, sluggishness, slow heart rate, dry skin, thinning of hair, poor memory and weight gain.
Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include increased excitability, fast heart rate, hand tremor, extreme weight loss, nervousness, inability to tolerate heat, diarrhea, increased sweating and exophthalmos. You should see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Thyroid diseases can be treated with the use of drugs and sometimes surgery to remove some parts of the gland. Treatment depends on the type of thyroid disease.
Hypothyroidism can be treated by taking synthetic thyroid hormones because of its low concentration in the blood. Hyperthyroidism is treated by taking drugs which help to reduce the amount of thyroid hormones the gland secrets.
Surgery is used to treat other thyroid conditions like goiter. It is also used to remove thyroid nodules. In the case of cancer, the entire gland can be removed. Synthetic thyroid hormones are given to compensate for the loss of the gland.