Thyroid disorders affect how the thyroid gland functions. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck that releases hormones to regulate metabolism. When the thyroid produces too many or too few hormones, it can lead to an array of health problems.
The most common thyroid disorders include:
- Hypothyroidism - Where the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn't produce enough hormones. Common symptoms are fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and muscle weakness.
- Hyperthyroidism - Where the thyroid gland is overactive and produces excess hormones. Some typical signs are unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, increased sweating, and anxiety.
- Thyroid nodules - Abnormal lumps or tumors that develop in the thyroid. Most are noncancerous (benign), but some may be cancerous.
- Thyroid cancer - A condition where abnormal thyroid cells grow out of control. The most prevalent forms are papillary and follicular cancer.
- Thyroiditis - Inflammation of the thyroid gland. Causes swelling and thyroid cell damage leading to abnormal hormone levels.
The best way to diagnose thyroid disorders is through
blood tests ordered by a doctor, like the TSH test. These tests measure thyroid hormone levels and thyroid antibodies. An ultrasound or biopsy may also be needed to evaluate lumps, nodules or tumors.
Thyroid problems are typically treated by
taking synthetic thyroid hormone medication, like Levothyroxine. The dose depends on the specific condition and testing results. For hyperthyroidism, other medications or radioactive iodine treatment may be used. Surgery is an option for large goiters or cancerous nodules.
At
Hormone Harmony Clinic, our endocrinologists specialize in thyroid health and getting to the root cause of hormone imbalances. We offer cutting-edge testing and personalized treatment plans to help patients regain energy, brain fog, achieve healthy weight, and optimize thyroid function.
Get a free phone consultation today to discuss your symptoms! Our holistic plans go beyond medication to include nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes for optimal wellbeing.
I tried to cover the key aspects of thyroid disorders in this overview. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!