What hormone is responsible for goiter?
This signal is called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). As the name implies, this hormone stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroid hormone and to grow in size. This abnormal growth in size produces what is termed a “goiter.” Thus, iodine deficiency is one cause of goiter development.
What are symptoms of toxic goiter?
Symptoms
- Fatigue.
- Frequent bowel movements.
- Heat intolerance.
- Increased appetite.
- Increased sweating.
- Irregular menstrual period (in women)
- Muscle cramps.
- Nervousness.
What is the cause of toxic goiter?
The most common cause of goiters worldwide is a lack of iodine in the diet. In the United States, where the use of iodized salt is common, a goiter is more often due to the over- or underproduction of thyroid hormones or to nodules in the gland itself.
How is toxic goiter diagnosed?
Your doctor may discover an enlarged thyroid gland simply by feeling your neck and having you swallow during a routine physical exam. In some cases, your doctor may also be able to feel the presence of nodules.
What causes thyroid to enlarge?
The most common cause of thyroid enlargement is the nutritional deficiency of iodine required to produce thyroid hormones. If there is not enough iodine available, the thyroid gland reacts by becoming enlarged.
How do you know if you have goiter?
The main symptoms of goiter include: A swelling in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. A feeling of tightness in the throat area. Hoarseness (scratchy voice)
Can a goiter be cancerous?
(For more information, see Knol on Thyroiditis.) Goiter can be the result of thyroid tumors, which are usually benign, but sometimes malignant. Most thyroid tumors present as discrete nodules, but there are several kinds of thyroid cancer that can cause generalized swelling of the gland.
Is a thyroid problem serious?
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.
What age do thyroid problems start?
The disease is hereditary and may develop at any age in men or women, but it’s much more common in women ages 20 to 30, according to the Department of Health and Human Services .