Thyroid disorders result when the thyroid gland produces too much or too little of the hormone thyroxine. This butterfly-shaped gland in the lower front part of your neck helps regulate your metabolism.
The most common thyroid disorders include:
- Hypothyroidism - Your thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones. This slows your metabolism, making you feel cold and tired.
- Hyperthyroidism - The opposite. Your thyroid churns out hormones, accelerating your body processes. This can make you feel anxious, cause sudden weight loss, and create rapid heartbeat.
- Goiter - Your thyroid gland becomes enlarged, forming a lump in your throat. This may be caused by iodine deficiency or inflammatory conditions.
- Thyroid nodules - These lumps may secret excess thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism. Or they may become overactive. Thyroid cancer accounts for a small percentage of nodules.
- Thyroiditis - Inflammation of the thyroid gland. Causes temporary hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism.
What triggers thyroid problems? The main causes include:
- Autoimmune disease - Your immune system attacks healthy cells in the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and impaired functioning.
- Pregnancy - Thyroid levels change during pregnancy. Some women develop postpartum thyroiditis after giving birth.
- Iodine deficiency or excess iodine
- Medications - The drug lithium and cytokine therapy for cancer treatment impacts thyroid functioning for some people.
- Radiation therapy - High-dose radiation used to treat cancers of the head and neck sometimes damages the thyroid gland. This may not show up until years later.
If you suspect a
thyroid disorder, get tested by an endocrinologist. They will check blood levels of thyroid hormones (
T3 and
T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (
TSH).
"At Hormone Harmony, we specialize in holistic and integrated treatment plans tailored to your unique thyroid health needs. Our expert clinicians and nutritionists provide cutting-edge testing, therapies, dietary guidance and lifestyle changes to help clients find the root cause and sustainable solutions for thyroid dysfunction."
Based on test results and symptoms, your doctor may prescribe synthetic thyroxine medication to regulate thyroid hormone levels. Maintaining proper thyroid function is crucial for overall health and preventing issues like
weight gain, chronic fatigue,
hair loss,
dry skin, mood disorders, and high
cholesterol. With the right thyroid treatment plan, most people can keep their metabolism and energy levels stabilized for life!