One part of the body that has a role importantis the thyroid gland. This gland is a producer as well as a storage place for hormones that regulate hormonesvarious functions of our body, including heartbeat.
The thyroid gland that produces thyroid hormone is located at the bottom of the neck. Behind the thyroid gland lies the parathyroid gland. There are 2 types of thyroid hormones, namely thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). In addition to heart rate, the presence of thyroid hormone is also important in helping regulate blood pressure, body temperature, and the process of converting food into energy. The presence of the thyroid gland is very important, because the hormones it produces affect the function of every cell in the body. The work of the thyroid gland is controlled by the hormone TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) which is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain.
When the hormone from the thyroid gland is inadequate or even excessive, humans can experience growth disorders and abnormal body metabolism. This is the reason thyroid hormone is closely related to the growth and development of children.
Recognizing Diseases Lurking the Thyroid Gland
Some of the most common disorders of the thyroid gland (thyroid disease), include:
- Hashimoto's DiseaseOne of the common causes of too little thyroid hormone is Hashimoto disease or Hashimoto's disease. This disease is an autoimmune disease, where there is an abnormality in the immune system so that the immune system attacks the body itself. In Hashimoto's disease, the body's immune system destroys the thyroid gland slowly, so its ability to produce hormones is also impaired.
It is not easy to detect this disease because the symptoms are not clear, especially if it is still in a mild stage. Some of the symptoms of this disease are fatigue, depression, constipation, weight gain, dry skin, and dry and thinning hair. Other symptoms that may appear are a pale face, heavy and irregular menstruation, not strong in cold, and mumps.
- Grave's Disease
Grave's disease is a hereditary condition and can happen to anyone, especially women aged 20-30 years. Several risk factors for this disease include smoking, pregnancy, and stress. Symptoms of Grave's disease when hyperthyroidism occurs are restlessness, irritability, fatigue, and tremors in the hands, excessive sweating, faster heart rate, trouble sleeping, and diarrhea. Apart from enlargement of the thyroid gland, vision problems can also occur.
- Goitre
When the enlargement is mild, there may not be any symptoms. However, if the enlargement is large enough, symptoms of shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, coughing, or hoarseness may occur.
- Nodulesthyroid
Most thyroid nodules do not cause any symptoms. But if it grows big enough, then the symptoms that appear can be shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing or pain. In certain cases, thyroid nodules can also cause increased hormone production or hyperthyroidism. If this happens, then the symptoms that appear are a faster pulse, increased appetite, tremors, weight loss, and nervousness.
However, if the appearance of nodules is caused by Hashimoto's disease, the sufferer may experience symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, cold weather, hair loss, or dry skin. Sometimes, thyroid disease can also cause changes in sexual desire.
The function of the thyroid gland can affect almost all body mechanisms, so it must be handled with care. Consult a doctor to determine the type of disorder and get the right treatment.