Seoul, Korea – The percentage of those with thyroid has been soaring up every year; it is estimated to be 50% of the entire population now.

This is particularly true to women who comprise more than 90% of the patients and to whom thyroid is the most common form of cancer. It is thus shown that the matter is becoming more serious.

Thyroid hormone which facilitates metabolism of the human body plays a role of making the body work at the appropriate pace. So when an abnormal amount of the hormone is secreted, the body sensitively responds and gets out of balance. Classic examples of sicknesses as the result are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism causes an overproduction of thyroid hormones and metabolism of the body tends to speed up. Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are increased perspiration, gluttony but losing of weight, heart racing, nervousness and hand tremors. To some, appearance deformation also can follow, e.g. both sides of the thyroid getting swollen or exophthalmos caused. It is needed to check oneself. And for women, menstrual periods may not occur which can cause sterility, so women should pay special caution to the symptom.

On the other hand, hypothyroidism can cause problems as well. Now that food intake is not quickly used as energy, overweight is likely to follow. And since the symptoms including extreme fatigue, constipation, forgetfulness and rough skin are usually hard to notice, the illness is detected long after it has started. It can later cause a weak pulse and difficulty in breathing and be developed into cardinal diseases and thyroid cancer, so early diagnosis and treatment are critical.

Thyroid diseases can be prevented by avoiding overwork and eating more vegetables than meat. The best prevention method of all is to avoid mental stress by getting an adequate amount of sleep and exercise.


By U Jin Hee (star@jtn.co.kr)

Source: JTN (Original article in Korean)
Photo from JTN DB
Translated by Bit Na Choi/ Korea.com

[원문= JTN NEWS / 번역= 코리아닷컴 ]