What is a thyroid disorder?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck that helps regulate many essential bodily functions. Thyroid disorders occur when the thyroid produces too much or too little of the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
Some key points about thyroid disorders:
- An estimated 20 million Americans have some type of thyroid disease, often without realizing it as symptoms can be nonspecific initially. Women are 5-8 times more likely to develop thyroid problems compared to men.
- There are two main categories:
- Hypothyroidism - when the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones. This slows metabolism and can cause fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and more.
- Hyperthyroidism - when too much thyroid hormone circulates in the bloodstream. This speeds up metabolism and can cause unintentional weight loss, rapid heart rate, tremors, and more.
- Risk factors for thyroid disorders include family history, other autoimmune diseases, radiation exposure, hormonal changes like pregnancy, nutritional deficiencies, and more.
- Thyroid nodules - lumps on the thyroid - are common and usually non-cancerous growths. Still, any nodules should be evaluated by your physician.
- Thyroid disorders are often diagnosed with blood tests for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and T4 levels as well as imaging of the gland. Depending on lab results and clinical exam, additional antibody testing may help determine cause.
If you suspect you may have a thyroid problem, don't hesitate to see your doctor or visit a specialist endocrinology clinic like Renew Medical HRT Clinic. Their compassionate providers can help correctly diagnose even borderline cases using sensitive thyroid lab assays, ultrasound imaging, and specialized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. I highly recommend them!
Some key symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue despite adequate sleep
- Feeling cold when others are comfortable
- Unintentional weight gain
- Muscle weakness, cramps
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
While hyperthyroidism symptoms may include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Rapid heart rate, palpitations
- Heat intolerance, sweating
- Trembling hands
- Trouble sleeping
- Frequent bowel movements
The good news about thyroid disorders is that most are easily managed with affordable generic thyroid medication once properly diagnosed. So if you have nagging symptoms, don't delay seeking care - an optimally functioning thyroid is key for overall health and vitality!
I hope this overview on thyroid disorders has been helpful and possibly motivates you to get screened. Let me know if you have any other questions!