Is it normal for the thyroid gland to be swollen?

Is it normal for the thyroid gland to be swollen?

Often termed as a disorder in the thyroid gland, a swollen thyroid does not mean that the thyroid gland is malfunctioning, but rather it describes the gland’s size. When a woman is pregnant, it is a normal that there will be a massive hormone production in the thyroid gland, causing it to swell.

Can a person with hypothyroidism always feel cold?

A person with hypothyroidism can continually feel cold. Hypothyroidism can slow down metabolism, which can lead to a drop in core body temperature. As such, some people with low levels of thyroid hormones may feel cold all the time or have a low tolerance of the cold.

When to seek medical help for a swollen thyroid?

However, when there are multiple nodules (more than one), the thyroid gland becomes swollen. People who have a swollen thyroid will manifest one or some of the following symptoms: If one or some of the above symptoms occurs, it is advised to seek medical help to prevent further aggravation of the symptoms.

What causes the thyroid to swell and make too much thyroxine?

Graves’ disease – an autoimmune disease which causes the thyroid to swell and make too much thyroxine (T4). In autoimmune disorders your body produces proteins called antibodies which damage a different part of your body – in this case, your thyroid gland. Inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis) – which can be due to various causes.

Often termed as a disorder in the thyroid gland, a swollen thyroid does not mean that the thyroid gland is malfunctioning, but rather it describes the gland’s size. When a woman is pregnant, it is a normal that there will be a massive hormone production in the thyroid gland, causing it to swell.

How is the thyroid related to cold intolerance?

As the body’s thermostat, the thyroid sends signals (hormones) to generate heat from stored energy. When thyroid function is compromised, the body does not receive appropriate signaling to increase heat generation. Thus, for patients living with hypothyroidism, it is common to experience cold intolerance.

A person with hypothyroidism can continually feel cold. Hypothyroidism can slow down metabolism, which can lead to a drop in core body temperature. As such, some people with low levels of thyroid hormones may feel cold all the time or have a low tolerance of the cold.

However, when there are multiple nodules (more than one), the thyroid gland becomes swollen. People who have a swollen thyroid will manifest one or some of the following symptoms: If one or some of the above symptoms occurs, it is advised to seek medical help to prevent further aggravation of the symptoms.