Your thyroid plays a crucial role in your overall health, but it usually works quietly in the background. If you’re like most people, you give little to no thought to your thyroid function. But it’s important to know the symptoms of thyroid disorders so you can take action.
Dr. Jake Schmutz and the team at Integrative Medica are proud to offer up-to-date, science-backed health information that empowers you to shape your health and wellness journey. That includes tips on helping you identify the signs of a thyroid malfunction.
Your thyroid sits at the front of your throat. It has two distinct lobes that wrap around your windpipe, giving this gland a butterfly shape. Part of your endocrine system, your thyroid creates essential hormones that guide a number of bodily functions.
One of the thyroid’s most important jobs is regulating metabolism, the rate at which your body converts food into energy. Every cell in your body requires nourishment to perform, and when your thyroid isn’t functioning well, you can experience symptoms throughout your body.
Hormones produced by your thyroid also affect:
As you can see, your thyroid facilitates numerous processes that affect your day-to-day health and wellness.
The primary ways that your thyroid can cause health issues are by producing too many thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) or too few (hypothyroidism). Some people develop a goiter, an enlarged thyroid, or get thyroid cancer.
Hormones are the driving force behind virtually all body systems. Balance is critical: When you have too many or too few hormones, things can quickly become unbalanced.
It helps to understand the symptoms of thyroid disorders so you can take action as soon as possible.
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism create different symptoms. Often, these changes are attributed to other causes, which is why many people with thyroid problems don’t get a proper diagnosis right away. Here’s what you need to look for.
If your thyroid creates excess hormones, these changes can occur:
If your thyroid produces insufficient hormones, you might notice:
Fortunately, diagnosing thyroid conditions is a relatively simple process done through blood testing. If Dr. Schmutz determines you have a thyroid disorder, he can offer treatments to help bring your hormone levels back into balance.
If you’re concerned about any of the above changes, we’re here to help. Reach out to the Integrative Medica office in Salt Lake City, Utah, online or by phone to schedule a time to talk with Dr. Schmutz.
