UNDERSTANDING THYROID DISEASE

The thyroid is one of the most important hormone regulating organs in the body.  An overactive thyroid can lead to weight loss and an increased heart rate, where an under-active gland can lead to tiredness and depression.  It is estimated that roughly 20 million Americans have a thyroid related condition, and that 12% of Americans may develop hyper or hypothyroidism in their lifetime.  This may seem like a staggering amount, but even more staggering is the fact that almost 12 million of those individuals with thyroid issues go undiagnosed.  What should you be looking for, and how can you solve your thyroid issues?

SIGNS OF THYROID DISEASE

The thyroid produces two different types of hormones: thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine.  These two hormones regulate many of the body’s functions, from metabolism and heart rate, to breathing rate and body temperature.  The two main types of thyroid disorders, hypo and hyperthyroidism, can affect all of these bodily functions.  Hypothyroidism occurs when the gland produces to little of the thyroid hormones.  This can cause fatigue, depression, and mild weight gain.  Hyperthyroidism is caused by the opposite; when the body produces too much of the thyroid hormones, it can cause weakness, irritability, and weight loss.

TREATMENT OF THYROID DISEASE

As previously stated, it is estimated that 12 million individuals with thyroid disease will go undiagnosed, and it is easy to see why.  With the immense number of symptoms associated with hyper and hypothyroidism, a physician could easily misdiagnose them as another disorder.  This is why it is important to consult a physician if you experience a number of these symptoms.  Once properly diagnosed by preforming a blood test, physicians have a number of options in treating thyroid disease.

Hyperthyroidism can be treated in a number of ways: first, a doctor may prescribe a medication to reduce the amount of hormones produced.  After the course of about a year, the doctor may then take another blood reading to see if the medication can be reduced or even removed completely.  A doctor will, however, continue to monitor hormone levels in the blood to insure that the condition has not returned or worsened.

Hypothyroidism is a different beast.  Once the thyroid slows down the production of hormones, there is no way to increase the production without medication.  Medicines such as levothyroixine may be prescribed to help increase the thyroid’s hormone production, and levels of hormone in the blood will be monitored every six months to a year to insure that levels have returned to normal.

It is always important to contact a physician if any of these symptoms arise, and the earlier they are caught, the better.  Here at Pierre Physician Group, we specialize in testing, diagnosing, and treating disease, and we want to help you keep on track to make sure you can lead a healthy lifestyle.  Click the link below to set up an appointment with us so we can get you on the right track for health and wellness in your life.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/women/understanding-thyroid-problems-treatment

http://www.thyroid.org/media-main/about-hypothyroidism/

http://www.empowher.com/thyroid-conditions/content/thyroid-questions-you-might-not-think-ask-your-doctor

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/aviva-romm/10-things-you-need-to-kno_8_b_6131292.html