Your thyroid is a small gland that lies at the front of the neck. A healthy thyroid is about the size of a ten pence piece and usually can’t be felt through the skin. The thyroid produces hormones that act on almost all the tissues and organs in the body.

Your thyroid is important for two main reasons:

To stimulate the growth of the developing child.
To increase metabolism.

What is Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid Disease is typically a malfunction of the thyroid gland where the immune system destroys or stimulates thyroid tissue. It is often caused by autoimmune conditions, such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, in which the body’s immune system reacts against the thyroid gland gradually making it inactive and causing hypothyroidism, or Grave’s disease where the production of thyroid hormones is stimulated causing hyperthyroidism.

Risk Factors

Female

Aged 50 or older

Previous therapy for hyperthyroidism

Long-term use of drugs affecting thyroid function

Hypercholesterolemia (elevated cholesterol)

Depression

Family history of thyroid disease

Personal or family history of other autoimmune disease

Underactive Thyroid Symptoms

Weight gain

Fatigue

Sensitivity to cold

Dry or brittle hair

Constipation

Muscle cramps

Depression

Overactive Thyroid Symptoms

Rapid weight loss

Increased appetite

Palpitations

High blood pressure

Sweating

Goiter – enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Muscular weakness

Eye problems – inflammation, swelling of tissue surrounding the eye, bulging of the eye

Can I test myself for Thyroid Disease ?

Yes. We can arrange for a Thyroid Disease test for you. Choose from a kit to use at home, or come in to Inverness CCT and we will prepare a sample to send to the lab.

What can I do if I find a problem ?

If your levels are above the normal range then you should consult your GP.

Hypothyroidism can be treated with hormone replacement drugs while hyperthyroidism is treated with drugs, radioactive iodine treatment or surgery.

Once treated, the majority of people lead a normal life.