Thyroid problems are quite common, especially among women. Thankfully, when problems arise, our thyroid specialist, Jonathan Hughes, can help manage and treat your concerns – right here in Harley Street, London.
What does the thyroid do?
It first helps to know what the thyroid is, where it’s located and how it works. The thyroid is actually a special gland, located in the neck, specifically at the bottom of your trachea (windpipe). It is possible to live without it, however it would require daily medication and it is only removed in extreme cases (thyroid removal surgery). Therefore, it’s an important part of your body and keeping it regulated is important. Its main job is to produce hormones that aid metabolism – the body’s natural process for turning food and drink into energy.
Problems with the thyroid
Like anything in the body, things can and do go wrong. Thyroid problems are divided into overactive and underactive thyroid. If the thyroid is overactive, it produces too many hormones, which can cause more activity in the cells. In the case of an underactive thyroid, the opposite is true. Our thyroid specialist can help in most instances.
What causes underactive thyroid?
In many cases of an underactive thyroid, the cause is the immune system attacking the gland. This problem can run in families and is also associated with disorders such as diabetes. There can also be other causes, such as a lack of dietary iodine, or even problems with medications and/or viral infections. Signs of an underactive thyroid include weight gain, lack of energy, muscle weakness and cramping, irregular or heavy periods and depression.
What causes overactive thyroid?
Often, the cause can be nodules (lumps) that grow in and around the thyroid. These can be cancerous (thyroid cancer) or benign. Signs of an overactive thyroid include weight loss, heat intolerance and anxiety. In most cases, any lumps or nodules can’t be seen or felt, and the person may not be aware they are present. Our thyroid specialist will help remove these nodules as part of the treatment.
Thyroid Problems
If large enough, the nodules can interfere with swallowing and breathing, as their size may cause them to press on the trachea or oesophagus (food pipe). Thankfully, only a small number of thyroid growths are actually cancerous (thyroid cancer), though it’s still a good idea to have them removed by a thyroid specialist.
Treatment at Jonathan Hughes
Our thyroid specialists can help with thyroid concerns, right here in Harley Street, London. We are especially adept at removing lumps and nodules and can also offer thyroid removal surgery if needed. Get in touch with our dedicated team to arrange your thyroid treatment today.