Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Disturbing Thyroid Diseases: Find Out the Difference

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the middle of the neck. This gland is relatively small in size but can produce thyroid hormones that function to maintain the body's metabolism, such as heart metabolism, regulate carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, stimulate normal growth, development, and maturation of the nervous system, and stimulate calorie formation. In children, this hormone has an important role in brain development and growth.

Around 300 million people in the world are reported to have thyroid disorders, and more than 1.7 million Indonesians have the potential to experience thyroid disorders. Generally, the cause of this thyroid disorder is still unknown. However, there are several conditions that can cause or trigger thyroid disease, such as iodine deficiency, inflammation of the thyroid gland, genetic factors after giving birth, and autoimmune diseases. Thyroid disorders can occur at various ages, from newborns to children, adults, and even old age. Forms of thyroid disorders can include functional abnormalities (hyperthyroid or hypothyroid), deformities, thyroid cancer, and inflammation.

The symptoms of thyroid disease that generally arise are symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition caused by a lack of thyroid hormone, while hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by an excess of thyroid hormone. This complaint can be accompanied by or without a lump in the neck. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include tremors, weight loss, easy sweating, sleep disturbances, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, and heart palpitations. Meanwhile, symptoms of hypothyroidism include feeling tired and weak, feeling sleepy easily, dry and rough skin, an inability to tolerate cold temperatures, hair loss and baldness, difficulty concentrating, weight gain with poor appetite, a hoarse voice, constipation, depression, and slowness. Moving and talking: in women, symptoms can be accompanied by menstrual disorders (more than usual).

Thyroid disorders can affect the entire body and be fatal if not treated properly. Unfortunately, thyroid gland disorders often go unnoticed because they do not have specific symptoms. In fact, if detected early, thyroid disorders can be treated early and can prevent other complications. Therefore, it is very important for the public to understand thyroid disorders so that early detection can be carried out.

If Hermina's friend experiences or has a lump in the neck, immediately have your health checked by an internal medicine specialist for further examination.

Written by Dr. Ivena

Reviewed by: Dr. Affan Ahmadi, Sp.PD., M.Kes, FINASIM