what are the sypmtoms of goiter?
544372
Goiter merely refers to the enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can be caused by diseases causing both hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Hence a goiter may in-fact present with totally opposite symptoms depending on the cause. \n\nIn case of hypothyroidism, the symptoms are:\n\nWeight gain\nSwelling over legs\nFatigue\nDrowsiness/Excessive sleepiness\nIntolerance to cold\n\nIn case of hyperthyroidism, the symptoms include:\n\nWeight Loss (even with good appetite)\nNervousness\nFever/Sweating\nIntolerance to heat\nPalpitations/ Increased Heart Rate\nProtrusion of the eyeballs\n\nWith goiter, there may be difficulty in swallowing and of-course the visible swelling in the neck.\n\nFor more info, check out the following links:\n\nhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001178.htm\n\nhttp://www.healthopedia.com/goiter/symptoms.html\n\nhttp://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/g/goiter/symptoms.htm
606093
http://www.sclero.org/medical/symptoms/associated/thyroid/a-to-z.html\nhttp://webhome.idirect.com/~wolfnowl/thyroid.htm
222963
There are 2 basic types of thyroid problems which can be caused by a number of things.\nHypothyroidism means your do not produce enough of the hormone.  You may feel tired, cold (esp in hands and feet), weight gain.  Basically your body's systems slow down.\nHyperthyroidism means you produce too much hormone.  Your body's systems speed up. You may feel nervous, hot, sweat more, can't sleep.\n\nBoth can cause problems with hair growth.\n\nYour doctor can give you a relatively inexpensive blood test to check you thyroid hormones - there are several involved.\n\nBest wishes and I hope this helps.
876629
Hi Daisy\n\nHere are some answers and some ideas to start the healing process.\n\nHyperthyroidism\n\nDefinition\nHyperthyroidism is a health condition caused by overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. \n\nThe thyroid is one of your body's "master" glands, meaning that it influences and regulates overall metabolism and the overall health of most of the cells in your body, including helping to form protein RNA (the building blocks of life) for every cell and to increase oxygen consumption by most cells. Located at the base of the neck, the thyroid gland consists of two lobes, one on each side of the windpipe (trachea). \n\nSymptoms\nSymptoms of hyperthyroidism include rapid heartbeat, enlarged thyroid (goiter), moist skin, trembling or tremors, erratic pulse pressure levels (too high or too low), fatigue, anxiety, weight loss, bulging eyes, excessive sweating, increased appetite, low tolerance to heat, diarrhea, chest pain, and gastrointestinal disorders. In older people with hyperthyroidism, however, the opposite of the above symptoms can occur. Overall, hyperthyroidism is much rare than hypothyroidism (under active thyroid function). \n\nHyperthyroidism may be associated with and often is called Graves' disease, a condition characterized by an enlarged thyroid, bulging eyes bulge, rash and swelling in front of the lower leg. \n\nCause\nAbnormal immune response is believed be a possible cause of hypothyroidism. The exact cause is not known, but certain antibodies from the immune system will launch an assault on the thyroid, disturbing hormone production. Lumps or tumors that form on the thyroid also disrupt hormone production. Temporary hyperthyroidism can be caused by infection or inflammation, and certain prescription drugs. \n\nHyperthyroidism is less common than Hypothyroidism, yet for both diseases, women appear to be more susceptible than men. Be aware that a malfunctioning thyroid may be the cause of recurring illnesses. \n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nNatural Cures\n\nDiet: Eat an organic, whole foods diet, emphasizing foods that naturally suppress excess thyroid hormone production. Such foods include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, rutabagas, spinach, turnips, soybeans, peaches, and pears. Eliminate dairy products, over consumption of wheat products, coffee, tea, and caffeinated soft drinks. \n\nHydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment. I suggest several at-home hydrotherapy treatments.\n\nHomeopathy: The homeopathic remedy Thyroidium is very helpful in assisting in proper thyroid regulation.\n\nJuice Therapy: Drink carrot, celery, spinach, and parsley juice; or juice made from a combination of cabbage, watercress, and spinach.\n\nNutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients can help regulate thyroid function: vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, choline, trace minerals, iodine, kelp, and thyroid glandulars.\n\nAlternative Professional Care\nIf your symptoms persist despite the above measures, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional care therapies have all been shown to be useful for treating hyperthyroidism: Acupuncture, Biofeedback Training, Homeopathy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Qigong, and Traditional Chinese Medicine\n\nBest of health to you\n\nCheers
87208
Alternative Treatment for Thyroid problems include glandulars of animals such as pig thyroid(armour thyroid),and natural T3/T4 extracted from the pig thyroid gland.\nKelp tablets for natural iodine source.L-thyroisin,and other nutritional supplement products.Coconut oil also has benefits for the thyroid gland,as well as dietary modification.
162383
i agree with the poster above who said that goiters can come from a lack of iodine.  however, the poster hasn't given the full story.\n\na nodule in the thyroid can be many things:  it can be a part of a multi-nodular goiter, as the poster said.  it can also be a primary hyperthyroid disease (such as Graves disease) or part of a thyroiditis.\n\nor it could be cancer.\n\nso, just taking more seaweed and fish won't necessarily be the best treatment.  i would get the nodule checked out by ultrasound.  depending on how big it is, a head and neck surgeon may elect to watch it or to take out part or all of your thyroid.\n\ngood luck
1089639
a. Results from pituitary failure, not thyroid\nb. Typically asymptomatic\nc. Correct. Goiter is a classic sign.\nd. Graves is associated with Hyperthyroidism\ne. pt not present with common signs & symptoms
556291
I had similar results when my hypothyrodism started. Try to check with a endocrinologist - they are a lot more qualified than familty practice doctors to analyze the results. Good luck
572473
Graves' disease, which is associated with hyperthyroidism and goiter.  HYPOthyroidism is associated with atrophy of the thyroid gland rather than enlargement.
1035993
It is a common disease where your thyroid gland located in your neck, does not produce what it is supposed to produce.  Hypo always means low in medical terms.  Your doctor needs to prescribe synthroid for you to take daily.  And, you will have to have your blood checked a few times a year to make sure you are at the right level with your dosage.\n\nA lot of times hypothyroidism is asymptomatic, meaning you have it but none of the symptoms.  Follow your doctors advise.\n\nBeware of some who look the term up on the internet and cut and paste long answers for you.  I have seen this done repeatedly!  Follow your doctor's advise and you will be fine.
282140
iodine, prevents goiter and enhance the mind
1121766
The Thyroid Foundation says not to, as does Mary Shoman (an expert in the field):\n\n"Is goitre due to lack of iodine in our diet? Should I eat kelp to get rid of this goitre?\n\nANSWER:\nIodine deficiency is the most common cause of goitre in the world but NOT in this country. We have had iodized salt for two generations, and there are many other sources of iodine now in our diets so that, if anything, we are receiving more iodine than in most places in the world. There is no point whatsoever in adding more iodine to the diet and that includes kelp, a form of seaweed high in iodine often sold in health food stores. The problem is that too much iodine is just as dangerous as too little iodine. Excess iodine can also cause goitres and can either cause a low thyroid state, (hypothyroidism) or excess output of thyroid (hyperthyroidism). It also aggravates Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In Canada it is a mistake to ingest kelp."\n\nMary Shoman said:\n\n"While some herbalists and vitamin proponents recommend iodine tablets or kelp supplements (which are high in iodine) for people with thyroid problems, you need to be extremely careful about any decision to take iodine or kelp supplements if you are on thyroid hormone replacement therapy."\n\nRead more: http://thyroid.about.com/cs/drugdatabase/f/kelp.htm\n\nHope that helps!
1154543
alopecea ariata\n\nhave a lab test for thyroid functions.\na common problem that i share with you.
689276
Try http://thyroid.about.com/blthyroid.htm \nThis site has a ton of good information about thyroid disease.
397271
Go see a medical doctor first!! Your MD will know why you have the goitre and will be able to advise you about medications, dietary and lifestyle changes. \n\nIf your MD is not helpful, DEFINITELY consult a registered dietician (NOT a 'nutritionist' or a non-accredited 'diet specialist').\n\nFor you information:\n\nOur thyroid uses Iodine to create important hormones (T3, T4). Be very careful about your Iodine intake (ie iodized salt, seafood). Since your thyroid is enlarged, it is like a sponge for Iodine and this can be dangerous if you increase Iodine intake too quickly.\n\nNext, limit your intake of soy and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, etc). Scientific studies have demonstrated that these foods interfere with Iodine uptake by the thyroid. For the same reason, avoiding products with 'rapeseed' is important too. It is very, very difficult to find any foods or oils that contain rapeseed now so this shouldn't be a major concern. \n\nALSO, if you are a woman, **DO NOT become pregnant**; it puts a major stress on your body AND your children will have major birth defects (known as cretinism).\n\nHope this helps!\n:)
53297
Go see your doctor and get your thyroid checked, immediatly. You may have a medical issue and they can help. Don't wait, you will regret if something is wrong. Good Luck!
648540
Understanding Thyroid Problems -- Treatment\n\nWebMD Medical Reference \n\nThe Basics | Symptoms | Detection & Treatment\n\nHow Do I Know If I Have Them?\n\nA doctor can diagnose hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism by testing the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood.  Doctors measure hormones secreted by the thyroid itself, as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a chemical released by the pituitary gland that triggers hormone production in the thyroid.\n\nWhen you are hypothyroid, higher quantities of TSH are circulating in your blood as your body attempts to foster increased production of thyroid hormones.  The reverse is true with hyperthyroidism, in which TSH levels are below normal and circulating thyroid-hormone levels are high.\n\nTo determine the cause of hyperthyroidism, doctors often use radioactive iodide uptake tests, which track the amount of iodide absorbed by the thyroid gland. Iodide, obtained from the foods we eat, is a key ingredient in the manufacture of thyroid hormone, so the amount of iodide the thyroid absorbs is a reliable indicator of how much hormone the gland is producing.  For this test, you must swallow a small amount of radioactive iodide in liquid or capsule form.  After a predetermined wait, the doctor places an instrument over your neck to measure how much of the radioactive iodide has gathered in your thyroid.\n\nIf the results of this test suggest that the gland is collecting excessive amounts of iodide, the doctor may then conduct a radioactive iodide uptake scan.  In this test, the doctor uses a special film to create a picture that shows the exact location of the radioactive iodide in your thyroid gland.  The scan will reveal, for example, if the iodide is collecting in adenomas, indicating that the nodules are responsible for the excess hormone.  If the scan shows that the iodide is spread equally throughout the tissue, the whole thyroid is involved in the excess production.\n\nSome doctors believe that blood tests may not be sensitive enough to detect milder forms of hypothyroidism.  Instead, they advocate monitoring your body's basal (resting) temperature.  To track your basal temperature accurately, you must closely follow certain guidelines:  Shake the thermometer below 95° F at night and place it where you can reach it without getting out of bed.  The following morning, before you get out of bed, take your temperature via your armpit for 10 minutes while staying as still as possible.  Keep records of your temperature for at least three days.  (Women should do this during the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle, as their basal temperature may rise during the latter half.)  Normal basal body temperatures fall between 97.4° F and 97.8° F.  If your basal temperature is consistently low, you could be mildly hypothyroid.\n\nIf you have one or more adenomas, your doctor will want to keep careful records of when they were first found and how they develop, since not all adenomas produce excess thyroid hormone. In fact, most of these nodules are not malignant, especially if they remain the same size over long intervals.  (Cancerous tissue, by contrast, will undergo noticeable growth.)  Nodules that appear suddenly are typically fluid-filled cysts and are often benign.  They can be evaluated with a noninvasive ultrasound exam.  If blood tests indicate that the nodules are producing excess thyroid hormone, and if you have other symptoms, your doctor will treat you for hyperthyroidism.\n\nIn any case, you should receive periodic checkups if you have a nodule on your thyroid gland, since you may become hyperthyroid in the future.  If your blood tests show elevated hormone levels, your doctor may recommend other tests, including radioactive iodide uptake tests and scans that indicate whether the nodules are "hot" or "cold."  Hot nodules, or those that are actively trapping iodide and producing too much thyroid hormone, are rarely cancerous.  But cold nodules -