What does the thyroid do?
As part of your body’s endocrine system, your thyroid is responsible for manufacturing hormones that regulate your metabolism. Although it is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck, do not be fooled by its size! Even though it is small, it can create a cascade effect on your health if it is not functioning as it should. These problems range from relatively harmless goiter to life-threatening cancer.
What Causes Thyroid Problems?
The thyroid produces two main hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), and these influence every single cell in your body. From how your body metabolizes fats and carbohydrates, to temperature regulation and heart rate, to the production of protein – thyroid hormones are center stage.
Two primary problems can occur with your thyroid – overproduction of thyroid hormones called hyperthyroidism, and underproduction of thyroid hormones called hypothyroidism. Each of these issues can be further broken down into more specific conditions based on the cause and overall effect. In most cases, however, thyroid problems can be well-managed when properly diagnosed and treated.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, also referred to as overactive thyroid, results from the overproduction of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. This leads to rapid, unintentional weight loss and fast or irregular heartbeat. The most common therapies for hyperthyroidism are anti-thyroid medications and radioactive iodine, which slows down the production of thyroid hormones. In some cases, surgery is required to remove the thyroid altogether if more conservative treatments have been unsuccessful.
Generally, hyperthyroidism is classified into the following conditions:
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include:
While proper management of hyperthyroidism can usually mitigate any additional complications, sometimes they do occur. These complications may include heart problems, brittle bones, eye problems, dermopathy (red, swollen skin), and thyrotoxic crisis (fever, rapid pulse, and delirium).
Hypothyroidism
On the other end of the spectrum is hypothyroidism, which is sometimes referred to as underactive thyroid. This condition occurs when your thyroid doesn’t manufacture enough of the thyroid hormones. In its early stages, symptoms may be hardly noticeable, but as the condition advances, symptoms become more apparent. The most common treatment for hypothyroidism is synthetic thyroid hormones to replace what your body is not producing naturally.
As with hyperthyroidism, there are multiple reasons that hypothyroidism may occur, including:
Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:
Hypothyroidism generally responds very well to a combination treatment, which may include diet changes, supplementation, botanical medicine, and conventional pharmaceuticals when necessary. However, complications of hypothyroidism can occur if left untreated. These complications can include goiter, heart problems due to high LDL cholesterol, depression, peripheral neuropathy leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms and legs, myxedema, infertility, and birth defects.
Dr. Erika Bradshaw can help you achieve a healthy life through the individualized management of your thyroid condition. If you are experiencing the above symptoms and would like to schedule an appointment for a consultation, please give us a call today!
