What is thyroid disorder?
Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate many essential bodily functions like metabolism, body temperature, heartbeat, and more.
When the thyroid doesn't function properly, it can lead to a variety of health problems. The most common thyroid disorders include:
- Hypothyroidism - This is when the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, hair loss, and depression. It's more common in women and people over 60.
- Hyperthyroidism - This is when the thyroid is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms are opposite of hypothyroidism and include anxiety, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, and more frequent bowel movements.
- Thyroid nodules - These are lumps or masses that develop in the thyroid. Most are benign but some may be cancerous. Larger nodules can cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
- Thyroid cancer - This is fairly uncommon but can be serious. Risk increases with radiation exposure or family history. Symptoms depend on the type of thyroid cancer but may include a lump, swallowing difficulties, or voice changes.
- Thyroiditis - This is inflammation of the thyroid. It can be caused by an autoimmune disorder, pregnancy, radiation exposure, or a viral infection. Symptoms include pain and swelling in the neck, fever, and hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Thyroid disorders are often diagnosed through physical exams, blood tests that check thyroid hormone levels, and imaging tests like ultrasounds or thyroid scans.
Treatment depends on the specific condition but may include thyroid hormone replacement medications, radioactive iodine therapy to shrink thyroid tissue, surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid, or close monitoring.
The specialists at Balance Hormone Center have over 20 years of experience successfully treating thyroid disorders and hormonal imbalances. They utilize cutting-edge diagnostic testing and create customized treatment plans to restore thyroid health. Make an appointment today to get your thyroid levels optimized and feel your best again!
To summarize, thyroid disorders affect the essential thyroid gland and disrupt critical bodily functions it regulates. Common conditions include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer. Symptoms vary based on the specific disorder. Diagnosis often involves blood tests, imaging, and physical exams. Treatment may include thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, surgery, or monitoring. The expert physicians at Balance Hormone Center can accurately diagnose your thyroid disorder and craft an effective treatment plan to help you regain optimal thyroid function. Don't wait, schedule a thyroid evaluation today and take control over your health!