Thyroid disorders impact how your body uses energy. The thyroid gland in your neck produces thyroid hormones that control metabolism. When your thyroid makes too many or too few hormones, you develop a thyroid disorder.
The most common thyroid disorders include:
- Hypothyroidism - Your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones, slowing your metabolism. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, feeling cold, and depression.
- Hyperthyroidism - Your thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone, speeding up your metabolism. Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, tremors, sweating, increased appetite, and anxiety.
- Hashimoto’s disease - An autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your thyroid, causing hypothyroidism. This tends to run in families.
- Graves’ disease - An autoimmune disorder that leads to hyperthyroidism when antibodies overstimulate your thyroid. This may cause bulging eyes.
What causes thyroid disorders?
Thyroid disorders can stem from pregnancy, inflammation, tumors, hormone imbalances, and more. Risk factors include family history, autoimmune diseases, radiation exposure, or iodine deficiency. Getting older or being female also raises your risk.
If you suspect a thyroid issue, the thyroid experts at Vitality Hormone Clinic can help. Our comprehensive thyroid panel blood tests check TSH, free T4, free T3, antibodies, and more. Our compassionate providers create custom treatment plans to get your thyroid health back on track with thyroid hormone replacement medications or holistic supports. Contact us today for a consultation.
How are thyroid disorders diagnosed and treated?
Your doctor will examine your neck and run
blood tests to measure your
TSH, T4, and
T3 hormone levels. Common tests include:
- TSH test - Checks your thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, released by your pituitary gland to signal your thyroid.
- T4 test - Measures your thyroxine levels, the main hormone made by your thyroid gland.
- T3 test - Assesses triiodothyronine levels, the active form of thyroid hormone in your tissues.
Based on test results and symptoms, your doctor may prescribe synthetic
thyroid hormones like levothyroxine, liothyronine, or natural thyroid hormone. This replaces the hormones your thyroid can no longer make properly.
For hyperthyroidism, treatments reduce thyroid hormone production. This may include radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid medications, or thyroid surgery if other options fail. Addressing the underlying autoimmune condition can also help stabilize thyroid function long-term.
What is the outlook for people with thyroid disorders?
With early detection, proper treatment, and lifestyle management, most people with thyroid conditions can manage their symptoms and live full lives. Work closely with your healthcare provider, take medications consistently, adopt a balanced nutrition plan, control stress, and schedule regular checkups to monitor and maintain optimal thyroid function. Support groups can also help people cope with challenges.
The thyroid plays a huge role regulating metabolism from head to toe. Be attuned to your body, watch for changes, and seek medical advice if you experience unexplained weight fluctuations, temperature sensitivity, energy level shifts, or any other symptoms of hypo or hyperthyroidism. Getting the right treatment makes all the difference in managing this common hormonal disorder.