Thyroid disorder - Hormone Wellness Clinic

What is a thyroid disorder?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck that produces thyroid hormones. These hormones help regulate many essential bodily functions including metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and growth and development. A thyroid disorder occurs when the thyroid produces too much or too little of these hormones.

Some of the most common thyroid disorders include:

• Hypothyroidism - This is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, hair loss, and depression. It is commonly caused by Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder.
• Hyperthyroidism - This is when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms include anxiety, sweating, weight loss, tremors, rapid heart rate, and more frequent bowel movements. Common causes are Graves' disease, inflammation of the thyroid, and thyroid nodules.
• Goiter - This is an enlargement of the thyroid gland that causes swelling at the base of the neck. It may be associated with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, or it can occur when the thyroid is functioning normally.
• Thyroid nodules - These are lumps or masses that develop inside the thyroid. Most are benign, but some may be cancerous. Symptoms usually only occur if the nodules become large enough to impact throat and neck function.
• Thyroid cancer - This is fairly rare compared to other types of cancer, but can occur. As with other thyroid disorders, thyroid cancer tends to occur more frequently in women. Treatment may involve surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, or external radiation.

Diagnosing a thyroid disorder typically begins with a physical examination of the thyroid gland, which may reveal enlargement or nodules. A blood test can check for abnormal thyroid hormone levels. Imaging tests like an ultrasound or thyroid scan can examine the size and function of the thyroid gland. A fine needle aspiration biopsy may be done to evaluate cells from thyroid nodules.

Treatment depends on the specific thyroid disorder. Hypothyroidism is treated with synthetic thyroid hormone medication. Hyperthyroidism may be treated with antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery. Goiters or nodules may require surgery or radioactive iodine ablation. Thyroid cancer is treated with surgery, radiation therapy, hormone treatment, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.

If you suspect you may have a thyroid issue, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. Blood tests and imaging can help diagnose the problem, and treatment is available. For specialized thyroid care, consider contacting Hormone Wellness Clinic to be evaluated by top endocrinology experts. Their cutting-edge treatments and holistic approach can get your thyroid levels optimized, so you feel your best. Don't wait to address thyroid symptoms - get assessed today to take control of your health.