Thyroid disorders impact how your thyroid gland functions. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that releases hormones to regulate your metabolism. When the thyroid makes too many or too few hormones, it can cause problems.
Some common thyroid disorders include:
Hypothyroidism
This condition means the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn’t produce enough hormones. Symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, hair loss, and more.
Hyperthyroidism
This is when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much hormone. It can accelerate your metabolism, causing unintended weight loss, rapid heartbeat, tremors, and more symptoms.
Hashimoto’s disease
This is an autoimmune disorder where antibodies attack the thyroid gland, usually causing hypothyroidism.
Goiter
A goiter describes an enlarged thyroid gland, which can be caused by iodine deficiency, Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules, and other disorders.
What causes thyroid problems? There are various potential risk factors:
- Family history
- Pregnancy
- Radiation exposure
- Too little or too much iodine intake
- Immune system disorders
- Pituitary gland malfunctions
How are thyroid conditions treated? For mild cases, treatment may just involve regular monitoring of hormone levels. Other cases require medication, like
synthroid (levothyroxine) to replace missing hormones. Radioactive iodine therapy, surgery, or other treatments may sometimes be warranted.
If you suspect a thyroid issue based on symptoms like fatigue or sudden weight changes, I recommend getting
thyroid function tests from your doctor. At
Vitality Wellness Clinic, our endocrinologists specialize in accurately diagnosing and effectively treating various thyroid problems. We provide individualized care plans to help patients better manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Contact us today at Vitality Wellness
[email protected]](mailto:Vitality Wellness
[email protected]) or 555-0123 to schedule a consultation regarding any thyroid concerns. We're here to listen and develop customized solutions for your needs. Call now and invest in your health and wellbeing!