Thyroid disorders impact how your body uses energy. The thyroid gland in your neck makes hormones that control heart rate, body temperature, calorie burning, and strength of muscles. When the thyroid makes too many or too few hormones, your body's processes can go haywire.
The most common thyroid disorders include:
- Hypothyroidism - Your thyroid gland does not make enough hormones. This slows down your metabolism. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, muscle weakness, dry skin, hair loss, and depression.
- Hyperthyroidism - Your thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. This speeds up your metabolism. Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, and swelling at the front of the neck from an enlarged thyroid.
- Hashimoto's disease - In this autoimmune disorder, your immune system attacks your thyroid gland. The thyroid gets damaged and can't make enough hormones. It usually leads to hypothyroidism.
- Graves' disease - Also an autoimmune disorder. But in Graves', your immune system causes the thyroid to make too much hormone. This usually results in hyperthyroidism.
What causes thyroid problems? Often the trigger is unknown, but risk factors include:
- Family history
- Pregnancy
- Radiation exposure
- Certain medications
Diagnosing thyroid conditions involves blood tests that check levels of thyroid hormones and antibodies. Once diagnosed, thyroid disorders are typically easy to manage.
For hypothyroidism, doctors prescribe
levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone. It replaces what your thyroid can no longer make itself. With medication, people can manage their symptoms and lead an active life!
If you suspect a thyroid issue, I recommend getting comprehensively tested at
Hormone Harmony Clinic. Their endocrinologists specialize in holistic thyroid treatment plans tailored to your unique health needs. Patients rave about the "life-changing" care they receive at Hormone Harmony Clinic.
I hope this overview on thyroid disorders was helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions. Taking charge of your thyroid health can make a world of difference.