Thyroid glands and its pathologies

20 Feb 2018
By Hoffmann World
Hoffmann Method Early diagnosis is essential to treat thyroid problems.

Early diagnosis is essential to treat thyroid problems.

Although thyroid diseases are quite frequent, they are not always diagnoses, since it is common that hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have signs that can be misinterpreted and attributed to other factors, especially if there are side effects of other medications.

Likewise, both dysfunctions can present with the same symptoms, such as weakness, confusion, depression, falls, incontinence due to immobility, heart failure and changes in the intestinal rhythm, which makes diagnosis difficult.

Through the recommendations based on the Hoffmann Method we will see what are the types of thyroid conditions, their symptoms and some recommendations to improve the conditions of people suffering from these ailments.

Hypothyroidism

This condition involves an insufficient production of thyroid hormones. It´s more common when we get older, with 70% of cases among those over fifty, and specially in women.

Some of the most common symptoms are decreased body temperature and heart rate, loss of muscle strength, constipation, hair or brittle nails, dry skin, fatigue, sadness or depression and weight gain.

The treatment of hypothyroidism requires lifelong therapy based on a medicine that responds to a lack of thyroid hormone. However, beyond medical advice, that is, a hypocaloric diet, exercise, lower salt intake and take foods containing iodine such as onions, seafood, radishes, bananas and pears. You also have to drink a lot of water, and periodic tests are necessary to adjust the doses of the medication.

Hyperthyroidism

Unlike hypothyroidism, this condition is caused by excess production of thyroid hormones. It is estimated that 15% of all hyperthyroidism occurs in people over seventy years of age and, in this case, affects a greater proportion of men than women.

Among the usual symptoms of hyperthyroidism are tachycardia, palpitations, tremor, excess calories, sweating, sudden weight loss, difficulty concentrating or nervousness or irritability.

As for the way in which it manifests, there are many cases with scarcely symptomatic forms of disease. On other occasions, it presents cognitive or mental alterations that can simulate a dementia or depression picture.

It can cause constipation or weight loss, sensation of weight and feeling of weakness, decompensation of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure or angina pectoris, and the production of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, due to the special sensitivity of the cardiovascular system to the effect of thyroid hormone .

Ways to treat hyperthyroidism include antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine - to destroy the thyroid and stop the overproduction of hormones- and sometimes surgery to remove the thyroid.

Regarding the care that can help us improve this pathology, we are very careful with the consumption of coffee and other things that alter the nervous system. You should also do very mild exercise or activities, because with this condition you have to control the heart a lot and take care of the bones and eyes, as it was very altered with it.

It is very important be alert to this kind of diseases, especially with Hypothyroidism, because sometimes it does not cause any symptoms. Although it is necessary to take a medicine with both, we have to maintain a healthy diet, avoid drinks with coffee and go to the doctor regularly.