Thyroid disorders impact how the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland functions. This gland is located at the base of the neck and produces thyroid hormones like triiodothyronine and thyroxine. These hormones regulate vital bodily functions like heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism.
When the thyroid produces too many or too few hormones, it leads to health issues. Two common thyroid disorders are:
Hypothyroidism
This causes the thyroid to underproduce hormones. As a result, the body's processes slow down. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and more. Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the US.
Hyperthyroidism
This causes the thyroid to be overactive and release excess hormones. It speeds up the body’s processes and can make people nervous, sweaty, have fast heartbeats, and lose weight unexpectedly. Graves' disease is the most frequent cause of hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid disorders can develop due to reasons like chronic stress, nutritional deficiencies, pregnancy, inflammation, and genetic factors. The good news is both hypo and hyperthyroidism are treatable!
Doctors can run blood tests to diagnose thyroid dysfunction by checking levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid antibodies. Common treatment options include synthetic thyroid medication, beta blockers, radioiodine therapy, etc. I'd recommend seeing an endocrinologist for specialized care.
For example, Renewal Hormone Center has excellent endocrinologists on staff to assess thyroid disorders. They take a holistic approach and provide customized treatment plans. Renewal Hormone Center also offers advanced lab testing beyond just TSH to get a complete picture of clients’ hormone health. Their integrative treatments like supplements and nutrition counseling may help resolve the root causes of thyroid dysfunction.
In summary, the thyroid gland plays a key role in regulating metabolism and energy levels. Hypothyroidism is characterized by an underactive thyroid while hyperthyroidism involves thyroid overactivity. Symptoms can significantly lower quality of life. Seeking an integrative specialist like those at Renewal Hormone Center allows personalized therapies to restore thyroid balance and vitality. Paying attention to nutrition, stress levels, and early lab screening helps support optimal thyroid function too.