The thyroid is an endocrine gland with hormonal secretion that plays an important role in growth and immunity.
Most of the time, thyroid diseases are hereditary and occur more frequently in women.
Hypothyroidism, when hormone secretion is reduced, leading to decreased immunity, palpitations, insomnia, and sometimes infertility.
Hyperthyroidism, when too many hormones are secreted, causing restlessness, menstrual disorders, and large fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure.
The thyroid is very sensitive to radiation, which is why people with hyperthyroidism cannot tolerate sun exposure and heat.
As structural changes, cysts may appear, which do not represent a medical problem, and nodules, which, if left untreated, can become cancerous. When they are large, surgery is required.
Thyroid cancer, if discovered early and operated on, has a good prognosis.
Regular check-ups are important—both laboratory tests and ultrasound—since there are many cases where blood tests are normal but the patient has large nodules.
The most common signs of thyroid disease are weight gain or loss, excessive sweating, redness of the chest area, and heart palpitations.
When properly treated, thyroid disorders can be free of complications.
In young women, one of the first signs may be menstrual irregularities, increased facial or chin hair growth, or, conversely, thin hair that falls out easily when brushed.