Thyroid disorder - Harmonize Health

What is a Thyroid Disorder?

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 a variety of health problems. Some common thyroid disorders include:

Hypothyroidism

• Occurs when the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones
• Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, hair loss, and depression
• Can be caused by Hashimoto's disease, treatment for hyperthyroidism, thyroid surgery or radiation therapy
• Treated with synthetic thyroid hormone medication

Hyperthyroidism

• Happens when the thyroid is overactive and produces too much hormone
• Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety
• Often caused by Grave's disease or thyroid nodules
• Treated with antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or thyroid surgery

Thyroid Nodules

• Abnormal growths of tissue on the thyroid
• Can be solid or fluid-filled
• May produce excess thyroid hormones and cause hyperthyroidism
• Small nodules that aren't producing hormones often require no treatment
• Larger nodules may require biopsy and possibly removal

Thyroid Cancer

• Uncommon, but cases are rising
• Symptoms include a lump or nodule in the neck along with hoarseness
• Treatments include surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, hormone treatment

Getting proper treatment is important, as leaving thyroid disorders untreated can lead to a number of health complications. Let your doctor know if you experience any common thyroid disorder symptoms. They can run blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels and help diagnose and treat any underlying problems with your thyroid. Catching issues early can help prevent serious effects on your overall health down the road.

If you suspect you may have a thyroid disorder, consider scheduling an appointment with Harmonize Health for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.