Greetings from your Wesley Nurse
Daniela Kulyas, R.N. BSN.
210-654-0404, ext. 142
email: DKulyas@mhm.org
THYROID 101
The thyroid is a small gland located in the base of your neck that is part of the endocrine system. This tiny gland has a big job, and nobody disputes that! The gland is responsible for various functions including the metabolism, regulating body temperature, cognitive function, digestion, and much more. To make it easy, the thyroid affects the entire body and when it is not working properly you will feel the effects.
Thyroid Problems
Many people are somewhat familiar with the condition known as hypothyroidism; this typically describes the condition where the thyroid gland is in a sub-optimal state and is not producing enough of the thyroid hormones necessary for the body to function, and transport issues. While this condition counts for many people that are suffering from thyroid
dysfunction, there are various other conditions, as well. These conditions include hyperthyroidism (thyroid gland in an over-active state), Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s disease (autoimmune diseases), goiter (thyroid enlargement), thyroid nodules (growths on the thyroid gland that can be caused by another condition, i.e. Hashimoto’s), and thyroid cancer.
Dysfunction Symptoms
The symptoms of course vary depending on the condition, but there are many warning signs that something is not right. There are over 300 symptoms that indicate thyroid dysfunction, the most common ones being,
Cold hands/feet (hypothyroidism)
Dry skin (hypothyroidism)
Unexplained weight gain (hypothyroidism)
Unexplained weight loss (hyperthyroidism)
Loose bowels/diarrhea (hyperthyroidism)
Vision issues (Graves’ disease)
Difficulty swallowing (goiter/thyroid nodules)
And much, much more!
Use this month to get your thyroid checked and share
information regarding the tiny gland that has a huge job! Happy Thyroid Awareness Month!
Blessings
Daniela Kulyas, R.N. BSN, WUMC Wesley Nurse