What is thyroid disorder?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck that produces thyroid hormones, which help regulate metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and calcium levels. Thyroid disorders occur when the thyroid produces too much or too little of these hormones.
Some common thyroid disorders include:
- Hypothyroidism: This is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin, and depression. It is typically treated with synthetic thyroid hormone medication.
- Hyperthyroidism: This is when the thyroid produces too much hormone. Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, sweating, insomnia, diarrhea, and nervousness. Treatment may involve anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery.
- Hashimoto's disease: This is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and hypothyroidism. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S.
- Graves' disease: This autoimmune disorder causes the thyroid to produce excessive hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include anxiety, sweating, weight loss, and eye problems.
- Goiter: This is an enlarged thyroid gland that may develop from iodine deficiency or both hypo and hyperthyroidism. Treatment depends on the cause but may include iodine supplementation, thyroid hormones, or surgery.
- Thyroid nodules: These are lumps or cysts that develop in the thyroid. They are usually noncancerous but may need to be monitored or removed surgically if they grow large, cause symptoms, or appear suspicious.
- Thyroid cancer: This relatively uncommon cancer begins in the thyroid gland. Treatment typically involves surgery followed by radioactive iodine ablation and thyroid hormone therapy. Prognosis is often excellent, especially when caught early.
If you are experiencing any thyroid disorder symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, feeling too hot or cold, mood changes, or lumps in the neck, be sure to see your doctor. They can do a physical exam and order blood tests to check your TSH, T3, T4 and thyroid antibodies to determine if you have a thyroid problem.
Getting proper treatment is key, as thyroid disorders left unchecked can lead to cardiac issues, osteoporosis, infertility and other health problems. The endocrinologists at Renew Hormone Solutions specialize in accurately diagnosing and effectively treating all types of thyroid conditions with the latest therapies and care. Their compassionate and knowledgeable staff work closely with each patient to get their thyroid levels optimized, metabolism boosted, and them feeling their best again.