Thyroid Treatments
The Thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located at the base of the neck, toward the front. It produces hormones which regulate your body’s metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is when there is an overproduction of thyroid hormone and Hypothyroidism is an underproduction of Thyroid hormone.
Symptoms:
Fatigue, Sensitivity to heat & cold, Anxiety, Irritability & nervousness, Weight loss/gain, Vision problems or eye irritation, Enlarged thyroid gland or goiter, Dry skin, Brittle hair & nails, Hair loss, Constipation, Increased heart rate, Irregular periods or cessation of periods and Depression.
Diagnosis:
Tests used to determine if a patient has hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism, can include blood tests, imaging and physical examination.
Treatment:
Hypothyroidism - is treated with a combination of natural and synthetic thyroid hormone replacement medications. Hyperthyroidism - is treated with either medication or surgery.
FAQ
Blood tests: measure levels of Thyroid-related hormones in the blood and can point to hypo- or hyperthyroidism.
Imaging tests: allow the health care provider to take a look at at the Thyroid itself.
Physical exam: feeling the neck allows the health care provider to check for enlargement or growths on the Thyroid.
Goiter: enlargement of the Thyroid.
Thyroiditis: general inflammation of the Thyroid.
Thyroid nodules: cysts located on the Thyroid.
Thyroid cancer: an overgrowth of abnormal Thyroid tissue that can cause increased size, voice changes & difficulty swallowing.
