How serious is a thyroid problem?

If an underactive thyroid isn't treated, it can lead to complications, including heart disease, goitre, pregnancy problems and a life-threatening condition called myxoedema coma (although this is very rare).

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Are thyroid problems life-threatening?

Rarely, an undiagnosed or poorly controlled overactive thyroid can lead to a serious, life-threatening condition called a thyroid storm. This is a sudden flare-up of symptoms that can be triggered by: an infection.

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Should I be worried about thyroid problems?

If your body makes too much thyroid hormone, you can develop a condition called hyperthyroidism. If your body makes too little thyroid hormone, it's called hypothyroidism. Both conditions are serious and need to be treated by your healthcare provider.

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How severe can thyroid problems be?

Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no treatment, to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much thyroid hormone results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism.

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What is the main cause of thyroid problems?

Problems with the thyroid can be caused by: iodine deficiency. autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid, leading either to hyperthyroidism (caused by Graves' disease) or hypothyroidism (caused by Hashimoto's disease) inflammation (which may or may not cause pain), caused by a virus or ...

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Thyroid problems - most common thyroid problems, symptoms and treatment

21 related questions found

What are early warning signs of thyroid problems?

What Are the Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems?
  • Feeling tired or lacking energy even after getting enough sleep.
  • Sudden weight loss or weight gain that cannot be explained by changes in diet or exercise.
  • Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression.
  • Sleep disturbances, insomnia, or excessive sleepiness.

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What foods should thyroid patients avoid?

A person with hyperthyroidism should avoid eating excessive amounts of iodine-rich foods, such as:
  • iodized salt.
  • fish and shellfish.
  • seaweed or kelp.
  • dairy products.
  • iodine supplements.
  • food products containing red dye.
  • egg yolks.
  • blackstrap molasses.

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What is the life expectancy of a person with thyroid disease?

Does Hypothyroidism Affect Life Expectancy? With proper treatment, a person with hypothyroidism usually has a normal life expectancy, with little or no decrease in quality of life. 1 Hypothyroidism generally carries a greater life expectancy than hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

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Can thyroid disease be cured?

Yes, there is a permanent treatment for hyperthyroidism. Removing your thyroid through surgery or destroying your thyroid through medication will cure hyperthyroidism. However, once your thyroid is removed or destroyed, you'll need to take thyroid hormone replacement medications for the rest of your life.

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At what age do thyroid problems start?

An overactive thyroid can affect anyone, but it's about 10 times more common in women than men, and typically happens between 20 and 40 years of age.

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Is thyroid a big deal?

Thyroid disorders can range from a harmless goiter (or enlarged gland) that needs no treatment at all to life-threatening thyroid cancer. However, the two most common thyroid problems involve the abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Both conditions are serious and require medical attention.

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What does thyroid fatigue feel like?

With thyroid fatigue, you may feel like you can't get through a day without a nap. You may sleep more than usual but still feel completely exhausted. You may not even have the energy to exercise. At times, you may fall asleep during the day or very quickly at night.

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What happens if thyroid is not treated?

This condition also is called underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Over time, hypothyroidism that isn't treated can lead to other health problems, such as high cholesterol and heart problems.

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Does thyroid disease get worse with age?

Hypothyroidism in the older patient

Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid condition in patients over 60 years of age and steadily increases with age.

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What is the most serious thyroid disease?

In Hashimoto's disease, immune-system cells lead to the death of the thyroid's hormone-producing cells. The disease usually results in a decline in hormone production (hypothyroidism).

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Can thyroid go back to normal?

Over time the thyroid usually returns to its normal state. Because the stored thyroid hormone has been released, patients may become hypothyroid (where their thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone) for a period of time until the thyroid gland can build up new stores of thyroid hormone.

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What organs are affected by thyroid?

Thyroid hormone affects virtually every organ system in the body, including the heart, CNS, autonomic nervous system, bone, GI, and metabolism. In general, when the thyroid hormone binds to its intranuclear receptor, it activates the genes for increasing metabolic rate and thermogenesis.

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Can you live a full life without a thyroid?

Thyroid disease is common, and in some cases may require removal of your thyroid (thyroidectomy). Fortunately, you can live without your thyroid. You will need long-term thyroid hormone replacement therapy to give you the hormone your thyroid normally produces.

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What is the last stage of thyroid?

Stage IV: All anaplastic thyroid tumors are classified as stage IV, regardless of tumor size, location, or metastasis.

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Can I live a normal life without a thyroid?

Can you live without your thyroid? The short answer is yes. People can live full, long lives without a thyroid (or with an underactive thyroid) if they take medication to replace the absence of thyroid hormones in their body with thyroid medication.

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What are the 3 worst foods for thyroid?

Fatty Foods Such as Butter, Meat, and All Things Fried

Fats may also interfere with the thyroid's ability to produce hormone as well. Some healthcare professionals recommend that you cut out all fried foods and reduce your intake of fats from sources such as butter, mayonnaise, margarine, and fatty cuts of meat.

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Are bananas OK for thyroid?

A: Yes, bananas are beneficial for thyroid health. Bananas contain selenium which has anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, the antioxidant in bananas secures your cells from free radical damage.

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What foods repair thyroid?

5 Foods That Improve Thyroid Function
  • Roasted seaweed. Seaweed, such as kelp, nori, and wakame, are naturally rich in iodine--a trace element needed for normal thyroid function. ...
  • Salted nuts. ...
  • Baked fish. ...
  • Dairy. ...
  • Fresh eggs.

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How long can you have thyroid problems without knowing?

Because hypothyroidism develops slowly, you may not notice symptoms of the disease for months or even years. Many of these symptoms, especially fatigue and weight gain, are common and do not necessarily mean you have a thyroid problem.

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How does thyroid affect sleep?

For example, underactive thyroid is associated with muscle and joint pain, cold intolerance, and increased anxiety, and these symptoms can contribute to sleep deficiencies.

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