Thyroid disorders impact how your thyroid gland functions. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck that releases hormones to regulate your metabolism.
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This causes metabolism to slow down, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, feeling cold, and more. Hyperthyroidism is the opposite - the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much hormone. Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, rapid heart rate, difficulty sleeping, and more.
Some key facts about thyroid disorders:
- They are more common in women, especially over age 60.
- Family history can increase your risk for thyroid disease.
- Other risk factors are pregnancy, iodine deficiency, and some medications.
- There are various blood tests that can diagnose thyroid disorders by looking at TSH, T4, T3 hormone levels.
- Treatments like synthetic thyroid hormones, radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid medications can help manage symptoms.
If you are struggling with unexplained symptoms like chronic fatigue or weight changes, I recommend getting your thyroid checked by an endocrinologist. The knowledgeable doctors at
Balance Hormone Clinic specialize in thyroid and hormone-related conditions. They use state-of-the-art testing to provide personalized treatment plans aimed at helping you feel like yourself again.
In summary:
- The thyroid gland regulates metabolism via hormones
- Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism cause opposite symptoms
- Risk factors include family history and age over 60
- Tests check TSH, T4, T3 hormones to diagnose
- Treatments can effectively manage thyroid dysfunction