As of: March 9, 2024, 6:18 p.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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Non-specific signs can also come from the diseased thyroid.
Those affected should have their thyroid levels checked if they have certain symptoms.
The thyroid gland (Glandula thyroidea) plays a vital role in the human body.
This comparatively small organ - shaped like a butterfly - is located in the neck, below the larynx and at the front of the trachea.
Thyroid hormones influence the entire cardiovascular system by controlling the dilation of blood vessels, the regulation of blood pressure, and the heartbeat.
At the same time, the thyroid plays an important role in regulating fat metabolism, sweat production and the function of the kidneys and intestines.
Thyroid levels are usually not checked regularly.
At the latest when certain complaints arise, for example women cannot become pregnant or men suffer from potency problems, a thorough examination of the thyroid values should be carried out to make sure whether and which disease is the trigger.
Diseased thyroid: Various causes with a wide variety of symptoms
If the thyroid gland is inflamed or there is a shortage of hormones, this can manifest itself in various symptoms such as severe and persistent fatigue.
© Wavebreak Media LTD/Imago
The most common diseases that interested people are increasingly searching for on the Internet are hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Fewer people are affected by hyperthyroidism due to the autoimmune disease Graves' disease.
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Thyroid disorders are common and can affect people of all ages.
In Germany, around a third of adults develop at least one form of thyroid disease during their lifetime.
The prevalence increases with increasing age.
In Germany, around five out of 100 people have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
This is characterized by reduced or missing production of the thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (levothyroxine), while at the same time the level of the regulating hormone TSH is too high.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
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Only about one percent of the population in Germany suffers from an overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism.
In most cases, this metabolic disorder is caused by the autoimmune disease Graves' disease or a malfunction of the thyroid gland.
Women are five to ten times more likely to suffer from hyperthyroidism than men.
Hypothyroidism: know the signs and interpret symptoms correctly
An underactive thyroid can manifest itself in those affected by the following symptoms:
Severe fatigue
Poor performance and concentration
Lack of motivation
Dejection
Depressive moods
Bouts of cold, especially on the hands and feet
Weight gain
Dry, brittle hair that falls out frequently, including on the eyebrows
Low blood pressure
Weak, slowed pulse
Cardiac arrhythmias that can lead to heart weakness or heart failure
Hyperthyroidism: what signs arise from too much thyroid hormone
The signs of an overactive thyroid, similar to an underactive thyroid, are often not very specific at the beginning.
Symptoms such as nervousness or hair loss are rarely immediately associated with thyroid disease.
In some cases, it can also be a side effect of menopause in women.
Increased sweating and warm, moist skin
Increased nervousness, anxiety, impulsivity
Mood swings
sleep disorders
Weight loss
Diarrhea
Frequent urination
Brittle, thin hair with increased hair loss
Thin, brittle nails
Eye problems such as increased tearing, foreign body sensation, photophobia
Hashimoto's thyroiditis: A “mixture” of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also commonly referred to as "Hashimoto's," is a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland caused by a malfunction of the immune system.
Symptoms may initially be absent, which is why Hashimoto's disease often remains undetected for a long time.
If symptoms appear, they are often misinterpreted, which means that those affected often live with the symptoms of constant fatigue and mood swings for years.
Although Hashimoto's thyroiditis cannot be cured, effective treatment is available with thyroid hormone tablets thyroxine.
If the thyroid becomes increasingly damaged due to chronic inflammation, this results in a lack of important hormones in the body.
Initially, the immune system increasingly relies on the thyroid's hormone stores, causing large amounts of thyroid hormones to be released.
This initially leads to signs of an overactive thyroid with symptoms such as tremors, diarrhea and heart palpitations.
After years, hypothyroidism can develop due to the progressive inflammation, which no longer allows the thyroid to function normally.
As a result, the hormone levels of the thyroid decrease and characteristic symptoms of hypothyroidism occur.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about medical conditions.
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here.