Thyroid disorder - Restore Health Clinic

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. It produces thyroid hormones that regulate the body's metabolism. A thyroid disorder occurs when the gland produces too much or too little of these hormones, causing metabolism problems.

Some key things to know:

• Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn't produce enough hormones. This causes the metabolism to slow down. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and more. It usually develops gradually over time and is more common in women and people over 60.
• Hyperthyroidism is the opposite - overactivity of the thyroid gland leads to excess hormone production. This speeds up the metabolism too much. Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, tremors, etc. Common causes are Graves' disease and thyroid nodules.
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder causing gradual thyroid failure and hypothyroidism. The body's immune system attacks thyroid tissue. This can run in families.
• Patients are often diagnosed via blood tests for thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4) and antibodies, plus an ultrasound or RAIU scan of the thyroid.
• Treatment depends on the cause and type of disorder:
  • Hypothyroidism is treated with oral thyroid hormone replacement medication to raise hormone levels.
  • Hyperthyroidism treatment involves medication, radioactive iodine, or surgery to inhibit thyroid overactivity and reduce hormone levels.

In summary, thyroid disorders directly impact metabolic regulation in the body. Getting accurate diagnosis and treatment can relieve symptoms and prevent long-term health consequences related to metabolic changes. If you experience unexplained weight fluctuations, changes in energy levels, or other symptoms that could indicate a problem with this important gland, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional at Restore Health Clinic. Monitoring thyroid health is crucial.