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How do I know whether I am at risk of having thyroid The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland, about the hormonal imbalance and how can it be diagnosed? size of two thumbs, located in front of the High or low thyroid hormone levels can be easily diagnosed through a blood test. windpipe. Its main function is to produce, store It is recommended that all females above the age of 35 years old to go for a routine and release thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones thyroid blood check every five years to detect thyroid hormonal imbalance. Women Knowing About Thyroid Hormonal Dysfunction regulate many cellular processes in the body, at risk of developing thyroid hormonal problems include those with: governs not only our metabolic rate but also impacts the fat, cholesterol and sugar usage, hence affecting the overall balance of energy in • Recent pregnancy and within a year of post-partum• Drug usage (such as lithium, amiodarone) • Autoimmune disorders such as Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid Arthritis Women with fertility issues should also get their thyroid hormone screened as Endocrinologists from
dysfunction refers to imbalance in the thyroid thyroid dysfunction can lead to infertility, miscarriage, preterm labour, foetal and Mount Elizabeth Hospital and
hormone level, which is usually regulated closely Parkway East Hospital,
in our bloodstream. In a diseased state, thyroid Dr Chia Su-Yin and Dr Ho Su
I have a lump at my neck. How do I know if it is a (hyperthyroidism) or too low (hypothyroidism).
Chin understand the concerns
It is easy to do a neck check. The thyroid is located in between the Adam’s apple and development of lumps (or nodules) inside the the collar bone. Stand in front of a mirror, tilt your head backward slightly and swallow, focusing your attention on the area mentioned above. A thyroid lump or independently or in multiples; and vary in size nodule moves with swallowing. If you detect a swelling which moves with swallowing, from less than 1cm to 6-8cm. Depending on the you should confirm it with your doctor.
size and location, these nodules may be easily seen or felt in the neck while others could only be If the thyroid lump/nodule is not causing any trouble, Most thyroid lumps are benign. Approximately five percent of thyroid nodules are cancerous. Thyroid cancer often presents as thyroid lumps/nodules and they often do not cause any pain or discomfort. Rarely does it lead to hoarseness of voice, difficulty in speech or swallowing when the cancer is advanced. Thus it is difficult to differentiate between benign (harmless) thyroid nodules from thyroid cancer based weight loss despite increased appetite, excessive nervousness, anxiety, tremulousness, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, weakness in arm and thigh muscles, as well as irregular scanty menstruation.
lethargy, weight gain, edema, muscle ache, intolerance to cold, constipation, dry skin, coarse hair, hoarse voice, heavy menstruation and depression.
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Source: http://www.parkwayeast.com.sg/resources/Articles/endocrine/article_1.pdf