Thyroid Treatment in Melbourne
Common conditions of the Thyroid Gland include excessive production of thyroid hormone, under production of thyroid hormone, enlargement of the thyroid gland (goitre), thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer.
Up to 1 in 20 people will experience a problem with their thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism (Under-active Thyroid)
An under-active thyroid may lead to the following symptoms - tiredness and fatigue, dry skin and hair, low mood or depression, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, intolerance of cold temperatures, pain in muscles and joints. Hypothyroidism can be due to immune conditions (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis), thyroid surgery or previous treatments for an over-active thyroid. Special consideration is given to women with an under-active thyroid who are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Hyperthyroidism (Over-active Thyroid)
Symptoms of and over-active thyroid include the following - palpitations, tachycardia (fast heart rate), tremor, sweating, anxiety and agitation, intolerance of warm temperatures, poor sleeping, unexplained weight loss, diarrhoea and muscle weakness. Causes of hyperthyroidism include immune conditions (Grave's Disease), thyroid nodules and multinodular goitres. Treatments for thyroid hormone excess include medications (carbimazole, propylthiouracil), radioactive iodine and thyroid surgery. An over-active thyroid gland in pregnancy requires highly specialized endocrine care.