The thyroid is located at the base of your neck – a small gland shaped like a bow tie. Although it is small and light, it creates hormones that play a significant role in many different systems throughout your body. You may develop thyroid problems if your thyroid produces too much or too little of these hormones.
It is estimated that 20 million Americans experience thyroid problems. Furthermore, 60% are unaware of their conditions. This may be attributed to the fact that it can be difficult to diagnose thyroid problems. It is common for thyroid problems to be mistaken for menopause or health issues.
To remove the guesswork, you can turn to the experts at Happy Hormone Cottage. We are also committed to educating clients about thyroid health and maintaining hormonal balance. This post highlights the symptoms of thyroid problems and the ways you can treat them.
Thyroid Problems: What You Need to Know
Your thyroid regulates your metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. Unfortunately, disruptions and some conditions can cause it to malfunction, leading to thyroid issues. Some of the causes include:
- Iodine deficiency
- Graves’ disease – is an autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid, causing it to overproduce hormones. This leads to hyperthyroidism.
- Hashimoto’s disease is also an autoimmune disease that causes the thyroid to produce inadequate hormones. This results in hypothyroidism.
- Inflammation caused by virus or bacteria
- Cancerous tumors
- Excessive iodine
- Nodules or non-cancerous lumps
Who is at Risk for Thyroid Problems?
Anyone can develop thyroid disease, regardless of sex or age. However, women are five to eight times more likely to be diagnosed with thyroid issues than men. Due to hormonal changes, women can experience these issues during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause.
You are likely to develop thyroid problems if you:
- Have a family history of thyroid issues
- Have type 1 diabetes, pernicious anemia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Turner syndrome
- Take medication containing high amounts of iodine
- Are a woman over the age of 60
What are Common Symptoms of Thyroid Problems?
There are warning signs that are difficult to ignore. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Anxiety
- Goiter
- Rapid heart beats
- Irritability and nervousness
- Sleeping problems
- Diarrhea
- Oily skin
- Irregular menses
- Bulging eyes and vision problems
- Sensitivity to heat
You may have hypothyroidism if you are experiencing one or more of the following:
- Unexplained weight gain
- Depression
- Slowed heart rate
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Dry skin and hair
- Brain fog
- Hoarseness
- Heavy and frequent periods
- Feeling cold when the temperature is cool or warm
- Low sex drive
What are the Treatments for Thyroid Problems?
Your thyroid test results will determine the type of treatment your healthcare provider administers.
If you have hyperthyroidism, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications such as:
- Anti-thyroid drugs (methimazole and propylthiouracil)
- Beta-blockers
- Radioactive iodine
If your thyroid problems are severe, you may be a candidate for thyroid removal surgery, also known as a thyroidectomy. It will end the overproduction of hormones, but you will have to take thyroid replacement hormones for the rest of your life.
If you are suffering from hypothyroidism, you will need thyroid replacement medication. This synthetic way adds thyroid hormones back into your body and achieves balance.
Testing for Thyroid Problems Available in Centerville, Ohio
Do you experience one or more of the symptoms listed above? Get in touch with the team at Happy Hormone Cottage. Our experts will use Thyroflex to test and effectively manage thyroid issues. We’ll also guide you through our 90-day Treatment Protocol if you have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease.
Schedule an appointment today!
