Thyroid Dysfunction

Thyroid dysfunction involves impaired thyroid hormone production leading to conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Symptoms vary and can include fatigue, weight changes, and heart rate irregularities; long-term consequences may include cardiovascular or neurological problems.

Thyroid dysfunction encompasses a range of conditions affecting the thyroid gland's ability to produce thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). This can manifest as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), thyroid nodules, or thyroiditis. Symptoms vary depending on the specific dysfunction but can include fatigue, weight changes, changes in heart rate, sensitivity to temperature, mood disturbances, goiter (enlarged thyroid), hair loss, and menstrual irregularities. The dysfunction can be caused by a variety of factors including medications, autoimmune diseases (Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease), iodine deficiency or excess, radiation exposure, or genetic predisposition. Long-term consequences of untreated thyroid dysfunction can include cardiovascular issues, osteoporosis, infertility, and neurological problems.