Thyroid Disease Symptoms: Enlarged Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland, one of the endocrine glands, is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the frontal
portion of the neck. The hormones secreted by the gland regulate growth, metabolism, sexual
development, and many other important functions of our body. Thyroxine, triiodothyronine and
calcitonin are the three hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. These hormones travel through the
blood and reach the body cells. Oversecretion or undersecretion of these hormones leads to thyroid
diseases.
Causes of Enlarged Thyroid Gland
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland secretes excessive thyroid hormones,
while hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by undersecretion of thyroid hormones. Many of
the thyroid diseases result in an enlarged thyroid gland. Enlargement of the thyroid gland can be
easily noticed, and is referred to as goiter. The diseases that cause goiter are given below, along
with their respective symptoms.
Graves' Disease
It is an autoimmune disease, which is also called diffuse toxic goiter, and is the most common cause
of an enlarged thyroid gland. Autoimmune disorders are those conditions wherein the immune
system of the body works against the healthy tissues and cells of the body. Graves' disease creates
abnormal antibodies in the body that stimulate the thyroid gland to oversecrete thyroid hormones.
This results in the enlargement of the thyroid gland, causing goiter. Here are the other symptoms of
Graves' Disease, a type of hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms
Graves' ophthalmopathy
Hypertension
Rapid heart rate
Hyperreflexia
Insomnia
Tremors

Sudden weight loss or weight gain

Muscle degeneration
Heat intolerance
Thinning of hair

Redness of the skin

Brittle nails
Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis refers to the inflammation of the thyroid gland. There are various forms of the disease
and Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common.

Hashimoto's disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder and
is a common cause of hypothyroidism in teenagers. The immune system of the body attacks the
thyroid gland and prevents it from producing required amounts of thyroid hormones. This leads to
inflammation of the thyroid, causing enlargement of the thyroid gland. Here are the symptoms of
thyroiditis.
Symptoms
Fatigue
Weight gain
Depression
Dryness of skin
Swelling of the legs
Swelling around the eyes
Muscle weakness

Thyrotoxicosis (leakage of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream)

Bradycardia
Tachycardia
Migraines
Cramps
Thyroid Nodules
Solitary thyroid nodules developed on the thyroid lobes can result in enlargement of the thyroid
gland. These nodules are benign in many cases and do not develop into cancer. Here are the
symptoms.
Symptoms
Hoarseness of voice
Shortness of breath
Lymphadenopathy
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine is a very important nutrient required for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. This is
the reason iodine is added to the salt we use for cooking. Deficiency of iodine leads to overstimulation of Cold Hands and Feet Thyroid the thyroid gland and this leads to formation of goiter.
Given below are the symptoms of iodine deficiency in the body.
Symptoms

Cretinism
Extreme fatigue
Depression
Weight gain
Low basal body temperature
Symptoms of thyroid gland disorders, including an enlarged thyroid gland, can be reduced with
proper treatment. There are various causes, and hence, proper diagnosis is necessary.