Thyroid Disorders

What are thyroid disorders?

The thyroid gland is an organ situated in your neck and shaped like a butterfly. It releases hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism, controlling how your cells produce and use energy.

Thyroid disorders are a common problem, presenting in two primary forms. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your body produces too high a quantity of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is a condition where your body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone.

Both conditions have multiple adverse effects on your overall health and well-being.

What are the symptoms of thyroid disorders?

Thyroid disorder symptoms vary between patients, so some might experience many different symptoms but only mildly, while others might have several severe symptoms. Typical symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Cold extremities
• Depression or mood swings
• Dry skin
• Hair loss
• Sluggish bowels
• Fluid retention
• Headaches
• Muscle and joint pain

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Unintentional weight loss
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability
• Trembling and sweating
• Changes in menstrual cycle
• Increased sensitivity to heat
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Difficulties sleeping
• Thin skin and fine, brittle hair

Problems with thyroid health can occur at any age, but hypothyroidism is most likely to develop in middle age, around 45 to 50. As many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are similar to the effects of menopause, it’s common for the two to be confused.

What causes thyroid disorders?

If your body isn’t producing enough thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism), it’s most likely to be due to an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Nutritional deficiencies, pituitary gland dysfunction, and taking certain prescription drugs, such as dilantin, lithium, and beta blockers, could also cause hypothyroidism.

If your body’s producing too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism), it’s most likely to be due to an autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease. Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules and thyroiditis also sometimes cause hyperthyroidism.

How are thyroid disorders treated?

If you have hypothyroidism, natural hormone replacement therapy is a highly effective treatment. Natural thyroid hormones contain the exact thyroid hormone molecules (T3 and T4) you need.

It’s vital you receive the optimum thyroid hormone dose, and you need to attend regular checkups so the Transcend Total Body Rejuvenation team can measure your hormone levels and adjust your dose if necessary.

To arrange a comprehensive thyroid health review, call Transcend Total Body Rejuvenation or book an appointment using the online booking feature today.