Hyperthyroidism / Hypothyroidism   

    These disorders of the thyroid occur due to too much production of  T₃ (hyperthyroidism) or insufficient production of T₃ (hypothyroidism).  If hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism is suspected from symptoms, there are lab tests that can test for the levels of T₃ (or TSH) to determine if the T₃ levels are too low.  These tests are used to diagnose hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.  There are several known symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Hyperthyroidism (too much T₃)

• Symptoms
• Fatigue
• Restlessness and nervousness
• Weight loss
• Sensitivity to Heat 
• Goiter - enlargement of thyroid gland
• Causes
  
• Graves' Disease - The thyroid's TSH receptors malfunction believing the pituitary gland is sending TSH hormone.  The result is too much T₃.
• Too much iodine in the diet.
• Inflammation of the thyroid.
• Treatment
• Prescribe antithyroid drugs
• Radioactive iodine (drastic)
• Removal of Thyroid by surgery (drastic) 
• This disorder of the thyroid occurs when there is not dietary intake of iodine.  When there isn't enough iodine, the thyroid can't make the hormones T₃ and T₄.

Hyperthyroidism is usually not serious and usually cannot be prevented.  One preventative measure is to insure that one does not have too much iodine in the diet.

Hypothyroidism (too little T₃)

• Symptoms
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Sensitivity to Cold
• Weight Gain
• Goiter - enlargement of thyroid gland
• Causes
  
• Cretinism - in children and babies, can result in lower intelligence and stunted growth 
• Myxedema - hypothyroidism in adults, results in lower metabolic rate and vigor
• Lack of iodine in diet
• Treatment
• Prescribe thyroid drugs (T₃ and/or T₄).  Must be careful to not take too much or hyperthyroidism may result.

Hypothyroidism is usually not serious, although in extreme cases a myxedema coma can be fatal.  Hypothyroidism usually cannot be prevented, and is more common in females and those over 50 years old. One preventative measure to reduce risk of hypothyroidism is to insure that one has adequate iodine in the diet.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is also called insulin-dependent diabetes.  A person with Type 1 has very little or no insulin, and the disease is usually discovered in childhood via lab tests measuring insulin.  The pancreas cannot make insulin.   The disease is not preventable.  Treatment is lifelong and involves carefully regulated insulin injections.  An insulin reaction when insulin goes too low can be fatal.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is also called non insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes.  A person with Type 2 develops insulin resistance because they do no have enough skeletal muscle to remove excess glucose from the blood.  Type 2 can be mostly prevented by leading an active lifestyle with adequate exercise.  Most people with Type 2 diabetes are sedentary and overweight.  Treatment involves drugs that can help restore regulation of blood sugar levels.

This page was last updated on February 25, 2012.                                                                                                                                                       visitors since February 25, 2012.  Free Hit Counter.