Thyroid disorders are conditions that impact the thyroid gland, a small organ located at the base of the neck that produces hormones to regulate growth and metabolism. The thyroid is part of the endocrine system, which includes glands and hormones that coordinate bodily functions.
There are several common thyroid disorders:
- Hypothyroidism: The thyroid is underactive and doesn't produce enough hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, sluggishness, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, and more. It's usually treated with a daily synthetic thyroid hormone supplement pill like levothyroxine.
- Hyperthyroidism: The thyroid is overactive and produces too much hormone. Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, nervousness/anxiety, and more. It's often treated with medication, radioactive iodine, or surgery to inhibit thyroid function.
- Goiter: An abnormal enlargement of the thyroid that causes a swelling sensation in the neck area. It can be caused by iodine deficiency, Hashimoto's disease, or other factors.
- Thyroid nodules: Lumps that form in the thyroid. Most are non-cancerous (benign), but around 5% may be cancerous. Doctors use imaging and biopsy to evaluate.
- Thyroid cancer: Relatively rare cancer (2% of cancers in the U.S.) that forms malignant tumors in the thyroid. Often curable with surgery, radioactive iodine, hormone therapy, radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.
The specific causes of thyroid disorders depend on the condition, but risk factors can include:
- Family history of thyroid disease
- Radiation exposure
- Pregnancy (for postpartum thyroiditis)
- Age over 60 years old
- Autoimmune disorders
If you're experiencing concerning symptoms like fatigue, temperature sensitivity, unexpected weight changes, neck swelling, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, or sleep disruption, I recommend getting checked out by your doctor. Blood tests (like TSH, T3, T4) and imaging (ultrasound, radioactive iodine uptake scan) can help diagnose thyroid conditions.
The experts at
Optimal Hormone Health Center specialize in thyroid and hormonal disorders through personalized care plans involving medication adjustments, nutrition plans, and holistic therapies to help clients regain optimal health. I highly recommend () for more information! Managing thyroid conditions well is crucial for vitality.
Let me know if you have any other questions!