Most of the thyroid disorders often present with decreased or elevated thyroid function. Decreased thyroid function can causes fatigue, sleepiness, weight gain, constipation.
On the other hand increased thyroid function causes palpitations, weight loss, nervosity, sleep disturbances or diarrhea. Enlarged thyroid gland is called goitre. Most frequently is caused by autoimmune thyroiditis or thyroid nodules.
Thyroid examination usually consists of careful history, blood tests and often thyroid sonography with a possibility of thyroid biopsy where a thyroid malignancy is suspected. Parathyroid glands are usually located behind the thyroid gland.
They produce parathormone which regulates calcium homeostasis. In case of pathologically increased parathyroid function, calcium is released from bones inappropriately and leads to osteoporosis with elevated risk of vertebral, femoral and other bone fractures.
Elevated calcium urine excretion then leads to kidney stones. Hypercalcemia can also cause mood changes, depression, constipation, anorexia, dehydration. Epinephrine and norepinephrine regulate blood pressure and cardiovascular system.
