Thyroid disorder - Balance Medical Clinic

What is thyroid disorder?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck that produces hormones to regulate many essential bodily functions. Thyroid disorders occur when the thyroid produces too much or too little of these hormones, upsetting the balance in your body.

Some common thyroid disorders include:

• Hypothyroidism - When the thyroid is underactive and doesn't produce enough hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and more. It is typically treated with synthetic thyroid hormone medication.
• Hyperthyroidism - When the thyroid is overactive and produces too much hormone. Symptoms are opposite of hypothyroidism and include unintended weight loss, rapid heartbeat, etc. It is usually treated with medication, radioactive iodine, or surgery.
• Goiter - Enlarged thyroid, often visibly seen as a swelling at the base of the neck. Can be related to iodine deficiency or thyroid disease.
• Thyroid nodules - Lumps that develop inside the thyroid, which may need to be monitored or tested for cancer risk.
• Thyroid cancer - Rare, but cancer can occur in the thyroid. Treatment options depend on the type of tumor, but may include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone treatment, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy medications.

Some key risk factors for thyroid conditions include:

• Family history
• Radiation exposure
• Being female
• Age over 60
• Autoimmune disorders
• Pregnancy

Diagnosing thyroid disorders often starts with a physical exam by your doctor, who may notice an enlarged thyroid or symptoms of abnormal hormone levels. They will typically order blood tests to check levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) as well as TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). An ultrasound or biopsy may help confirm the diagnosis.

Let your doctor know if you have any symptoms like fatigue, skin/hair changes, appetite shifts, or swelling in your neck. Proper treatment can help manage thyroid dysfunction and related symptoms. Maintaining thyroid health is crucial since every cell relies on these hormones!

Visit Balance Medical Clinic for expert care and management of thyroid disorders.