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Thyroid dysfunction is a common problem that is often not addressed in routine care despite many people experiencing symptoms. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, help regulate many body functions, so it is important to optimize thyroid hormone levels to alleviate related symptoms.
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What is Thyroid Dysfunction?
Thyroid dysfunction occurs when you are underproducing or overproducing thyroid hormones. When your thyroid produces hormones irregularly, your entire immune system can be impacted, leading to increased risk factors for mood changes, fatigue, and weight fluctuations. In some cases, thyroid abnormalities may result in severe hypothyroidism, where the body doesn’t have enough thyroid hormone to function properly.
When thyroid dysfunction develops, it can lead to a range of thyroid disorders, including an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), each with distinct thyroid disorder symptoms. Too little thyroid hormone may cause weight gain, dry skin, cold intolerance, and fatigue, while too much thyroid hormone can result in weight loss, increased blood pressure, and symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as anxiety or muscle weakness. Risk factors, including family history, iodine excess, and certain autoimmune conditions, can affect thyroid function, underscoring the importance of early evaluation.
Causes of Thyroid Dysfunction
People with a family history of thyroid conditions or those with an autoimmune disorder may be more susceptible to developing thyroid problems. Additionally, thyroid nodules can form, which may or may not affect thyroid hormone production. Conditions like digestive and kidney diseases have also been found to affect thyroid function. Since thyroid diseases affect many systems in the body, early diagnosis is essential. For many patients, thyroid hormone replacement can help restore balance and improve quality of life, especially when an autoimmune disease is the underlying cause.
Thyroid Disorder Symptoms
Hypothyroidism Symptoms
Hypothyroidism is a thyroid disease in which the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone. This underactive thyroid condition causes the body’s functions to slow down. can include slow metabolism, weight gain, depression, memory problems, constant coldness, fatigue, and changes to your hair and nails. These symptoms can be observed even if test results, like a basic TSH blood test, come back “normal.”
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
Hyperthyroidism is another type of thyroid disorder that occurs when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. This condition is also known as an overactive thyroid. Excess thyroid hormone levels speed up the body’s metabolism and can cause symptoms like weight loss, hand tremors, and rapid or irregular heartbeat.
How are Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders Treated?
We focus on addressing both hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism for those who have possible resistance or poor conversion to the active thyroid hormone. By optimizing thyroid hormone levels, thyroid-related symptoms can be relieved even when the standard replacement has been ineffective. We will first start with blood tests to check your thyroid-stimulating hormone levels (TSH) and then develop the best treatment plan to relieve your symptoms.
Armour Thyroid uses a combination of hormones derived from dried or desiccated thyroid to regulate metabolism and treat thyroid disorders like goiter or enlarged thyroid gland. It should be taken once daily on an empty stomach and at least a half hour or more before you eat breakfast. NP thyroid is a similar medication that can normalize thyroid hormone levels and improve thyroid function within 2-3 weeks.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’ve been suffering from the symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, schedule a consultation at Lakefront Wellness. We can help you find the best treatment to improve your quality of life.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Schedule a consultation with Lakefront Wellness online or call us at 901-295-0036,
