THYROIDISM Meaning and
Definition
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Thyroidism is a medical condition characterized by abnormalities or dysfunctions of the thyroid gland, resulting in an imbalance of thyroid hormones in the body. The thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions through the production and secretion of hormones.
There are two main types of thyroidism: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid gland, where it fails to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, dry skin, and cold sensitivity. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland, producing an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. This condition can manifest as symptoms including weight loss, increased heart rate, anxiety, irritability, and heat intolerance.
Thyroidism can result from various causes, including autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease, iodine deficiency, certain medications, radiation exposure, and tumors of the thyroid gland.
Diagnosis of thyroidism typically involves conducting blood tests to measure the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the body. Treatment options for thyroidism can vary depending on the specific condition and its severity, but often involve medication, including synthetic thyroid hormones for hypothyroidism, or anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery for hyperthyroidism. Regular monitoring is necessary to ensure proper management of the condition and maintain hormonal balance within the body.
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1. Hyperthyrea. 2. Poisoning by overdoses of a thyroid extract.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for THYROIDISM
- rhyroidism
- fhyroidism
- ghyroidism
- yhyroidism
- 6hyroidism
- 5hyroidism
- tgyroidism
- tbyroidism
- tnyroidism
- tjyroidism
- tuyroidism
- tyyroidism
- thtroidism
- thgroidism
- thhroidism
- thuroidism
- th7roidism
- th6roidism
- thyeoidism
- thydoidism
Etymology of THYROIDISM
The word "thyroidism" is derived from two components: "thyroid" and the suffix "-ism".
The term "thyroid" comes from the Greek word "thyreoeidḗs" (θυρεοειδής), meaning "shield-shaped". It refers to the shape of the thyroid gland, which is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck.
The suffix "-ism" comes from the Latin "-ismus", which derived from the Greek "-ismos". It is used to create nouns that denote a state or condition, a doctrine or theory, or an action or practice.
In the case of "thyroidism", the word refers to a medical condition related to the thyroid gland.
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