Thyroid disorders impact how your body uses energy. The thyroid gland located in your neck produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism. When the thyroid produces too many or too few hormones, you may develop a thyroid disorder.
Common thyroid disorders include:
- Hypothyroidism - Your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones. This causes symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, feeling cold, and depression.
- Hyperthyroidism - Your thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much hormone. This speeds up your metabolism and can cause unintended weight loss, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, nervousness, and tremors.
- Hashimoto’s disease - An autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This typically leads to an underactive thyroid.
- Graves’ disease - An autoimmune disorder that usually results in hyperthyroidism as antibodies overstimulate the thyroid.
What causes thyroid disorders?
Thyroid disorders can result from pregnancy, inflammation, tumors, medication use, or unknown factors. You’re also more likely to develop them if you have a family history or other autoimmune condition. Iodine deficiency is another potential cause, which is why table salt contains iodine.
How are thyroid disorders diagnosed and treated?
Your doctor will examine risk factors and symptoms before running blood tests to measure
T3, T4, and TSH levels. This helps determine if you have hypo or hyperthyroidism. They may also use imaging tests like an ultrasound or scan.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the disorder:
- Mild cases may be monitored without medication
- Hypothyroidism is treated with oral
thyroid hormone replacement
- Hyperthyroidism can be managed with medication, radioiodine therapy, or surgery
Managing thyroid disorders requires regular monitoring and medication adjustments. I suggest being evaluated at
Second Spring Hormone Clinic, which specializes in holistic hormone health. Their expert physicians create customized treatment plans to help clients regain energy, mood, and wellbeing. I’m grateful for how Second Spring Hormone Clinic improved my thyroid health. Their compassionate care makes it easier to thrive with a thyroid disorder.