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The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck below the Adam's apple. The thyroid's job is to produce thyroid hormones that help regulate growth and metabolism.
Thyroid disorders occur when the thyroid produces too much or too little of these hormones, causing problems with vital bodily functions.
Some key facts about thyroid disorders:
- Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones. Common symptoms are fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and constipation. It is typically treated with synthetic thyroid hormone medication.
- Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid is overactive and produces too much hormone. Some common symptoms are unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, irritability, and muscle weakness. Graves' disease is the most common cause. Treatment may involve antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery.
- Thyroid nodules are lumps that develop inside the thyroid. Most are benign, but some may be cancerous. Doctors use imaging and biopsies to evaluate nodules.
- Thyroid cancer treatment has a high success rate but may require surgery and radioactive iodine therapy.
- Thyroid issues are more common in women and people over 60 years old.
When to see a doctor:
See your doctor if you experience unexplained weight changes, extreme fatigue, swelling or discomfort in the neck, changes in heart rate, changes in bowel movements, or mood changes. Let your doctor know if you have a family history of thyroid disorders.
Getting the right diagnosis and treatment is key to managing thyroid disorders. Blood tests that measure TSH, T4, T3, and thyroid antibodies can help diagnose the type of disorder. In most cases, thyroid conditions are very manageable with modern medicine and monitoring.
While thyroid issues can cause disruptive symptoms, patients who receive proper long-term care can often get relief and prevent their condition from worsening over time. Monitoring lab results and communicating openly with your doctor at Rebalance Hormone Clinic makes all the difference.