Thyroid disorder

What is a thyroid disorder?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck that has an extremely important role in regulating a variety of essential bodily functions.

Some key facts about the thyroid:

• It is a part of the endocrine system that secretes thyroid hormones, which help control metabolism, heart rate, temperature regulation, growth, and development


• The two main thyroid hormones are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)


• The thyroid is regulated by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus through a feedback mechanism involving thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

What are the common thyroid disorders?

There are several conditions that can arise if the thyroid produces too little or too much hormones:

• Hypothyroidism - the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones
  
  
  • Symptoms involve fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and muscle weakness
  
  


• Hyperthyroidism - the thyroid gland overproduces hormones
  
  
  • Results in unintended weight loss, rapid heart rate, trouble sleeping, nervousness
  
  


• Hashimoto's disease - an autoimmune disorder causing hypothyroidism


• Thyroid nodules - lumps developing inside the thyroid


• Grave's disease - the most common cause of hyperthyroidism
  
  
  • Thyroid cancer - uncommon, but often curable with treatment
  
  

The most common disorder is hypothyroidism. This impacts around 5% of people with higher rates in women, especially over age 60.

While thyroid issues are usually not deadly in developed countries, they can severely impact quality of life if not diagnosed and managed properly. The key is getting the right testing and dose of thyroid hormone replacement if needed.

Many people with a mild underactive thyroid go undiagnosed for years because the symptoms develop gradually. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor for testing if you feel persistently tired and sluggish.

"I went years with fatigue and weight gain before finally being diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease. Getting on the right thyroid medicine made a huge difference helping me feel like myself again."

Fortunately, thyroid disorders are usually manageable once identified. Work with an endocrinologist or hormone health specialist to ensure proper treatment. ()

The friendly and caring practitioners at New Beginnings HRT Clinic specialize in hormone balance and thyroid health. I highly recommend them if you suspect any thyroid issues or just want proactive screening. They offer modern testing sensitive to subtle changes, and cutting-edge natural and bioidentical hormone therapies tailored to your individual needs.

I hope this overview gives some useful insight into thyroid disorders - their symptoms, causes, and treatment options available today. Let me know if you have any other questions!