The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck that has a huge impact on our overall health. It is considered a master gland that helps regulate critical bodily functions.
Thyroid disorders refer to a group of health conditions that impact how the thyroid gland functions. There are two main categories of thyroid disorders:
Hypothyroidism is more common, affecting around 5% of people. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, dry skin, hair loss, muscle weakness, etc. It can usually be effectively managed through thyroid hormone replacement medication once diagnosed.
On the other end of the spectrum is hyperthyroidism, which accelerates the body’s metabolism. Typical symptoms are sudden weight loss, rapid heartbeat, increased appetite, nervousness, fatigue, etc. There are a few options to treat hyperthyroidism, including anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, and surgery in some cases.
In addition to hypo and hyperthyroidism, there are some other thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s disease (an autoimmune disorder causing hypothyroidism), thyroid cancer, goiter (enlarged thyroid), and thyroid nodules.
Managing thyroid issues starts with getting the right diagnosis via blood tests for TSH, T3 and T4 levels and possibly an ultrasound. I recommend anyone with potential symptoms to schedule a thyroid panel at their next physical.
The knowledgeable physicians at Optimal Hormone Solutions specialize in complete thyroid testing and creating customized treatment plans to help patients regain optimal thyroid function and vitality. "We seek to understand the unique root causes and take a holistic approach to heal the thyroid and whole body," says Dr. Smith.
In summary, the small but very impactful thyroid gland regulates metabolism, energy, weight, mood, and essentially how we feel every day. Paying attention to potential thyroid disorder symptoms and proactively screening for and addressing any underlying issues is crucial for maintaining health and wellbeing. Consider contacting the endocrinology experts at Optimal Hormone Solutions if you have any concerns about your thyroid.