Reader’s Question:

What are the symptoms of goiter, and what are the differences between goiter and hyperthyroidism? If I think I have it, what kind of doctor should I look for in Pennsylvania?

Lukas

Philadelphia, PA

Goiter and hyperthyroidism are actually the same thing. Goiter, along with Graves’ disease, is just one of hyperthyroidism’s most common causes. Hyperthyroidism, as the term already implies, occurs when there is overproduction of hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine or what we call the T3) in the thyroid gland.

These two hormones dictate metabolic rate, and thus an excess of them results in an abnormality in the rate of metabolism, such that the manifestations show marked increase in bodily functions — increased rates in the functions of the nervous system, the circulatory system and the digestive system.

In this condition, all the systems of the body are abnormally fast. The symptoms include: tachycardia or increased heart rate, arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, anxiety attacks, irritability, hyperactivity, sensitivity to heat (because of increased metabolism), fatigue (because every process in your body is working double time), profuse sweating, polyuria or increased frequency of urination, polydipsia or increased fluid intake or increased thirst, nausea, shortness of breath, and diarrhea. In spite of the increase in appetite, the most apparent effect of hyperthyroidism is weight loss because your nutrient intake cannot cope with your body’s doubled up processes.

You may want to see an endocrinologist in Pennsylvania to have your thyroid stimulating hormones checked, and to have yourself treated early if you do have one.

Tags: Diseases, Health Care