Health

8 Disorders That Cause Thyroid Disease

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Thyroid diseases cause a range of different symptoms and related disorders that negatively affect the patient’s quality of life. Without a doubt, thyroid diseases are among the most common in modern society. Most often they occur in women, and even though the treatment exists, sometimes it turns out to be very long or even lifelong (if the disease becomes chronic). 

And in some cases, it even requires surgical intervention. Do not forget that this small butterfly-shaped gland is involved in a large number of metabolic processes. Therefore, any deficiency (Hypothyroidism), conversely, an excess of thyroid hormones (Hyperthyroidism) leads to disorders that we can mistake for other diseases.

Very often, patients complain of fatigue (for no apparent reason) or sudden weight gain, which they think is caused by stress. Few diseases are associated with so many ailments, and therefore it would be nice to know about them in order to recognize a possible illness in time. It will also help you take care of your health by taking appropriate measures.

Disorders That Can Cause Thyroid Problems

The thyroid gland is involved in several metabolic processes at once, so any failure in its work causes disturbances in the body. In this section, we will tell you about disorders that can lead to thyroid dysfunction. If your thyroid disease is getting out of control because of an addiction problem, seek help immediately. Getting drug rehab in Chicago might be your best option. 

1. Substance Use Disorder

According to an estimation, around 27 million people in the US suffer from thyroid problems. This number is huge and one of the leading factors to this issue is substance abuse. Both drugs and alcohol can harm the functioning of the thyroid, but alcohol can especially damage the thyroid glands. 

It happens because of phytoestrogens in alcohol, which alter the hormonal balance in the body. Thus, if you suffer from substance abuse you must get proper treatment. You can even get information about medication for drug addiction and other behavioral therapies for treating addiction. It will help you choose a suitable treatment method and get rid of addiction.

2. Constipation, Digestive Problems, Or Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Thyroid disorders often cause changes in how our digestive system works. When the diagnosis has not yet been made, we may notice frequent digestive problems, such as indigestion or even irritable bowel syndrome. Depending on the symptoms present, it is even possible to determine how our thyroid gland suffers.

Hypothyroidism

  • Constipation
  • Poor absorption of nutrients
  • Stomach disorders
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomachache
  • Bloating
  • Vomit

3. Menstrual Disorders And Possible Infertility

In diseases of the thyroid gland, the menstrual cycle can also be disturbed. With hypothyroidism, menstruation is usually longer and more painful. However, in women with hyperthyroidism, menstruation is shorter and less frequent, and it can also lead to early menopause.

Without a doubt, this is one of the most serious consequences of thyroid disease. It usually occurs in those women who either did not receive timely diagnosis, or their treatment was ineffective. For this reason, it is important to be attentive to your health and try to seek qualified help from professionals.

Also Read: Is Yoga Good for Pregnant Women? 10 Prenatal and Postnatal Pregnancy Exercises 

4. Pain In Muscles And Joints

This is another common thyroid problem that is unknown (either ignored or linked to other diseases): Regardless of age and gender, patients with hyperthyroidism often suffer from muscle and joint pain. This is a very debilitating condition that causes severe discomfort, but the diagnosis can be erroneous, such as fibromyalgia.

However, with the start of treatment, symptoms usually decrease significantly. Thyroid patients also often suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome (or carpal tunnel syndrome) and from plantar fasciitis. With hyperthyroidism, people often report pain and weakness in the limbs.

5. High Cholesterol

This fact will probably surprise you. Can thyroid problems affect blood cholesterol levels? Yes, high cholesterol can cause thyroid diseases and also increase resistance to treatment. If, for example, the patient fails to restore normal cholesterol levels (neither by diet nor by exercise or by statins), then he should check the thyroid gland. With hypothyroidism, there is an increased level of cholesterol, and with hyperthyroidism, it gets lowered (which is also not good).

6. Depression And Anxiety

Hypothyroidism associated with an underactive thyroid gland can have the side effect of affecting neurotransmitters. A decrease in the level of serotonin and dopamine in the body entails a depressive state. 

Another indicator is the patient’s resistance or addiction to various psychotropic drugs. But it happens due to the incorrect functioning of the thyroid gland. So if any symptoms of depression appear, such as waking up dizzy, staying sad, and loss of hope in life, you must consult a specialist.

7. Sleep Problems And Thyroid Disease

One of the factors associated with thyroid disorders and significantly reduce the quality of life is poor sleep. And this is not about the amount of rest. Sometimes even after sleeping for 10 hours in a row, a person gets up tired and broken. As a result, he or she has no strength.

The feeling of lack of sleep causes the patient to sleep during the day and spend the whole weekend in bed. This is a worrying symptom. In other cases, a person gets tormented by insomnia. So when he or she lies down, it becomes difficult to fall asleep because he suffers from tachycardia, increased anxiety, and nervousness.

8. Skin Problems

In addition to hair loss and brittle hair, people with thyroid disease usually experience visible skin changes as well. It becomes rougher, dryer, and rougher. Peeling and cracking occur, especially on the heels, knees, and elbows. These symptoms are associated with hypothyroidism. And with hyperthyroidism, the skin can become very sensitive to changes in temperature. 

Take Away

So, as you can see, many of the symptoms experienced by a significant part of the population of our planet can be associated specifically with thyroid diseases. As a result, change in mood, the quality of night sleep, and joint pain occur. 

That is, either these diseases were not diagnosed, or prescribed treatment did not bring the desired results. So it is important to get rid of any of the above-mentioned disorders to enjoy good health. Be attentive to yourself!

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