What is the thyroid?
Your thyroid is a gland in your neck that produces thyroid hormone, which controls your body’s metabolism and numerous other body functions. Thyroid hormone controls how fast your heart beats and how efficiently you can burn calories. Too much or too little thyroid hormone in your body can lead to unpleasant symptoms, but treatment offers relief.
What are the different types of thyroid problems?
Numerous types of thyroid issues exist, including:
- Hypothyroidism: your body produces too little thyroid hormone
- Hyperthyroidism: your body makes too much thyroid hormone
- Thyroid cancer: cancer in your thyroid gland
- Goiter: thyroid gland enlargement
- Thyroiditis: thyroid gland swelling
- Thyroid nodules: lumps on the thyroid gland
The type of thyroid problem you have affects the symptoms you experience and which treatment offers relief.
What are the symptoms of thyroid disorders?
Symptoms you may experience with thyroid problems include:
Hypothyroidism
- Weight gain
- Feeling cold
- Dry, pale skin
- Muscle weakness or pain
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Thinning hair
- Heavy menstrual bleeding in women
- A puffy face and hoarse voice
- A slowed heart rate
- Hyperthyroidism
- Unintentional weight loss
- Rapid heartbeat
- Irritability, nervousness, or anxiousness
- Hand and finger trembling
- Sleeping problems
- Feeling hot or increases in sweating
- Diarrhea or frequent bowel movements
- Muscle weakness
- Light menstrual periods in women
- Eye bulging, irritation, or redness
If you experience these or other usual symptoms, see our providers and his team for an evaluation.
How is thyroid disease diagnosed?
To find out if you have thyroid disease, our providers discusses your symptoms and reviews your medical history. He completes a physical exam and evaluates the size of your thyroid gland. The Integrative Medica team completes blood tests to check thyroid levels and might recommend a biopsy or ultrasound to diagnose your condition.
How is thyroid disease treated?
The treatment you require for a thyroid disorder depends on the type of condition you have and its severity. Our providers might recommend medications, radioiodine treatment, or thyroid surgery in severe cases. Early detection and treatment help you avoid serious complications.
If you’re at risk of thyroid disease or experience its symptoms, book an appointment with Integrative Medica by phone or online today.
