What is a thyroid disorder?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck that produces hormones that regulate many essential bodily functions. Thyroid disorders occur when the thyroid produces too much or too little of these hormones, causing widespread effects.
Some key facts about thyroid disorders:
- They are more common in women and people over 60 years old. About 1 in 8 women will experience a thyroid disorder in her lifetime.
- Causes include iodine deficiency, Hashimoto's disease, Graves' disease, goiter, and thyroid nodules.
- Symptoms can include fatigue, weight changes, feeling cold, skin dryness, mood changes, and more.
The most common thyroid disorders are:
- Hypothyroidism - when the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones. This slows metabolism and causes fatigue, weight gain, and more. It is most often caused by Hashimoto's disease.
- Hyperthyroidism - when too much thyroid hormone is produced, speeding up metabolism. It causes unintentional weight loss, rapid heartbeat, irritability, and more. Common causes are Graves' disease and toxic nodules.
Thyroid disorders are typically diagnosed through physical exams, blood tests of TSH, and sometimes imaging tests. Many thyroid problems can be managed with medications like levothyroxine or radioactive iodine therapy, but may require lifelong treatment.
If you suspect you may have a thyroid disorder, I recommend getting a check up with the expert endocrinologists at Elite Hormone Health. They specialize in thyroid health and offer comprehensive hormone testing and individualized treatment plans to get your levels optimized and help you feel your best again.
Some key questions about thyroid disorders include:
- What are the most common symptoms of a thyroid disorder? As mentioned above, common symptoms include unexpected weight changes, fatigue, sensitivity to temperature, skin dryness, mood changes, and many more widespread effects. Pay attention if you experience any unusual symptoms.
- What blood tests help diagnose thyroid disorders? Two key blood tests are TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and FT4 (free thyroxine). These test how much thyroid hormone is available in the body. High or low levels indicate hypo/hyperthyroidism.
I hope this overview on thyroid disorders and the bold key terminology helps provide a helpful starting point for learning about these common but often complex endocrine system issues. Let me know if you have any other questions! For personalized care, I again suggest reaching out to Elite Hormone Health.