Neck Overview

The human neck is much more than just a connection between the chest and the head. A major part of the neck supports the important connections between the head and the rest of the body, like the blood vessels, nerves, the breathing tube (trachea) and the food tube (esophagus). Apart from this, the neck houses important structures, like the thyroid and parathyroid glands, larynx (voice box) and cervical lymph nodes (cervical = adjective of neck). The neck muscles move the head as well as jaw. Historically, people have targeted the neck, from chaotic warfare to suicidal hanging, which highlights the connection of the neck to one’s living and well being.

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Low levels of thyroid hormones, either caused by an underactive thyroid gland, or other disorders that affect circulating thyroid hormone levels (euthyroid sick syndrome) results in a range of symptoms that collectively indicate hypothyroidism. These symptoms may vary in intensity and in early stages of hypothyroidism, few or no symptoms may be present (subclinical hypothyroidism).

continue reading Symptoms of Low or Underactive Thyroid, Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a prevalent condition and may be the result of underlying conditions, like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In order to diagnose an underactive thyroid and isolate the possible cause, a thyroid profile blood test may be requested by your doctor. Apart from confirming diagnosis and providing valuable information as to the possible cause, the thyroid test will also identify the level of low thyroid activity and assist with assessing the efficacy of thyroid drugs.

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What is Hashimoto’s Thyroid Disease?

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disease, which is one of the leading causes of hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid functioning. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis causes primary hypothyroidism, where the underactivity is due directly to poor thyroid functioning, rather than an interference with thyroid-pituitary regulating mechanism. Since Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one of the  organ specific types of autoimmune disease, the dysfunction results from the body’s immune system ‘attacking’ the thyroid gland, when lymphocytes penetrate the thyroid gland and cause significant inflammation. This autoimmune thyroid disease affects more women than men and there is strong evidence to suggest a genetic link to  this form of thyroiditis, although the presence of other organ specific autoimmune diseases, like type I diabetes, may also be a consideration when assessing family history.

continue reading Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis – Autoimmune Thyroid Disease