
Thyroid Problems
What are thyroid problems?
The thyroid gland is an integral part of the endocrine system that is crucial for many bodily processes such as temperature regulation and energy production as a result of the hormones it releases. Thyroid problems can vary but the most common types of thyroid problems are related to its production of hormones. The two types of thyroid problems related to the production of thyroxine are when you either produce too much of it (hyperthyroidism) or you produce too little (hypothyroidism), both of which carry with them their own symptoms and additional health risks.
How are thyroid problems caused?
The two main distinct camps of thyroid problems, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are caused by correspondingly distinct factors. However, diabetics have a higher-than-normal risk of developing thyroid problems because having type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, and having one autoimmune disease makes you more likely to develop another, and having type 2 diabetes means you’re more likely to develop thyroid problems later in life.
Some of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism, characterised by the thyroid’s production of too many hormones, are:
- Graves’ disease
- Toxic adenomas – the thyroid produces extra hormones because of nodules that have developed within it
- Subacute thyroiditis – the thyroid becomes inflamed and temporarily causes hyperthyroidism
- Thyroid cancer – It’s possible to get thyroid cancer, although rare, and you may be more at risk of developing thyroid cancer if you’ve had radiation treatment focused around the head/ neck.
- Disorders of the pituitary gland
In contrast, hypothyroidism is characterised by the thyroid failing to produce enough hormones and may be caused by the following:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – an autoimmune disorder where the body mistakes the thyroid as a threat to the body so it attacks it. The cause of Hashimoto’s disease is still not known.
- Previous thyroid treatment – surgical procedures or treatment of hyperthyroidism
- Taking medicines that are high in iodine
- 5-9% of women experience postpartum thyroiditis though it is usually temporary
Women that are over 60 years old are most at risk of hypothyroidism, although it can develop in anyone including infants.
Hypothyroidism and infants
Hypothyroidism is dangerous to anyone as it can lead to further health conditions like heart disease and high cholesterol, it can also result in a very rare but potentially fatal condition called a myxedema coma. However, hypothyroidism can be particularly dangerous to young children because they are at such an age of crucial development and growth, two things that the thyroid gland plays a fundamental role in. Thankfully all newborns are checked to ensure their thyroid is functioning, and it’s now common practice to routinely check thyroid levels in infants to make sure that hypothyroidism is treated very quickly if present.
Symptoms to look out for, for hypothyroidism in children are:
- Sluggishness
- Loss of appetite
- Dry itchy scalp
- Excessive sleeping
- Constipation
- Sensitivity to cold
If you suspect hypothyroidism in your child it’s important to seek medical advice because it can cause many developmental problems like stunted growth or intellectual disabilities.