Six ways your thyroid can affect your health with Shamis Tate FNP-C
Introduction
The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that regulates your metabolism. It produces hormones that regulate the body's use of energy and affect heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight. A healthy thyroid produces enough of these hormones to meet the body's needs. When there is an imbalance or lack of thyroid hormone, it can cause serious health problems such as hyperthyroidism (overactive) or hypothyroidism (underactive).
Hypothyroidism
Shamis Tate saysThe most common thyroid disorder is hypothyroidism, which occurs when your body doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. The symptoms of hypothyroidism can include fatigue, dry skin and hair loss--and if you're not treated for it early on it can lead to other health issues like heart disease or diabetes.
The good news is that treatment for hypothyroidism is easy: Your doctor will prescribe medication that replaces the missing hormones in your body so that they work properly again. In some cases (depending on how severe your condition is), they may recommend lifestyle changes as well--for example reducing stress levels by exercising regularly and eating more vegetables instead of junk food.
Hyperthyroidism
Shamis Tate says If your thyroid hormone levels are too high, you may have hyperthyroidism. This condition can cause symptoms like weight loss and fatigue. It can also cause irritability and muscle weakness. In some cases, hyperthyroidism is caused by an overactive thyroid gland (also called Graves' disease).
If you think that you have hyperthyroidism or other thyroid problems like hypothyroidism--or if you just want to know more about how they affect your health--it's important to see your doctor right away so they can help figure out what's going on with your body!
Thyroid nodules
Thyroid nodules are lumps that form in the thyroid gland. They can be benign, meaning they're not cancerous, or malignant (cancerous). If you have a thyroid nodule and want to know if it's causing problems with your health, here are some things you should know:
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Your doctor will listen to your vocal cords with a stethoscope during an exam of your neck area. If he hears any unusual sounds coming from them when he presses on them with his fingers, this may mean that there is something wrong with those vocal cords--and possibly even an underlying thyroid problem.*
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Thyroglobulin levels in blood tests can help determine whether you have Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease.*
Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland. It can be caused by autoimmune, viral, or bacterial infection and is often triggered by an illness like mononucleosis. The symptoms of thyroiditis include fatigue, muscle aches, and joint pain. Treatment for thyroiditis includes rest and medication to reduce inflammation in your body.
Thyroid disease can be serious, but it is controllable if you get treatment.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of your neck. It produces hormones that regulate your metabolism and affect everything from your energy levels to weight gain or loss.
One in eight people has some form of thyroid disease, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain or loss (or both), depression, and joint pain. But it's treatable with medication and lifestyle changes like dieting or exercising more regularly.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. The sooner you get treatment for thyroid disease, the better your chances of avoiding serious complications in the future.
