Thyroid disorders are a group of conditions that affect your thyroid gland and alter its size and function. The thyroid is an important gland that secretes hormones that regulate a wide range of the body’s vital processes.
Causes & Symptoms
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are both caused by conditions that affect the thyroid gland and alter its function. Inflammation of the thyroid gland, immune disorders, iodine deficiency, and thyroid tumors are just a few of the conditions that can cause thyroid problems.
A dramatic increase in the secretion of the thyroid hormone is known as hyperthyroidism and it causes the body to utilize energy rapidly and in high amounts. This problem results in symptoms like increasing body temperature, heavy sweating, feeling of palpitation in the chest, and unexplained weight loss.
On the contrary, the decrease in thyroid hormone release, known as hypothyroidism, causes complete opposite symptoms. Reduction in the efficiency of utilizing energy occurs and results in general fatigue and tiredness, hair loss, reduction in body temperature resulting in cold extremities and significant weight gain. Symptoms related to thyroid disorders should be evaluated by your physician at Men's Vitality Center to determine the cause of your thyroid symptoms for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
How We Can Help
The goal of thyroid disorder treatment is to restore normal thyroid function. In the case of hypothyroidism, such as in Hashimoto’s disease, external supplementation of thyroid hormone (T4) is necessary. The supplementation of this hormone should be under medical supervision with regular monitoring of blood levels, because the thyroid activity may change alongside the treatment regimen.
In the case of hyperthyroidism, such as in Grave’s disease, the treatment of the overactive thyroid is required to correct the condition. Anti-thyroid medications, surgical treatment to reduce the size of the thyroid, or radiation therapy may be used. There are a number of treatment options available and you should work closely with your doctor to determine the right treatment strategy for you. You can make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tempe or Glendale with one of our internists. Our doctors look forward to meeting you!
Common Questions About Thyroid Disorders
Some symptoms that indicate either an over-active (hyperthyroid) or under-active (hypothyroid) condition include sudden weight loss or weight gain without changing your diet or exercise habits. Abnormal hair loss or dry skin, sensitivity to heat or cold, changes in bowel movements - going too often or constipation, a fast or uneven heart rate or feeling constantly tired. These symptoms can often be mistaken for other conditions, so it is important to visit your doctor to accurately identify if these symptoms are due to a thyroid problem.
Your first visit should be to a primary care doctor to discuss your symptoms and perform an exam that will determine thyroid health. The doctor will order blood tests that will measure the thyroid hormone levels. With the results of your exam and blood test, your PCP can diagnose your condition and work with you to develop a treatment plan. If necessary, they may refer you to an endocrinologist, a hormone specialist, that will help treat your thyroid condition.
Thyroid conditions can range from mild to severe. Goiters, which are simply enlarged thyroid glands, do not require treatment, where thyroid cancer can be life threatening. Commonly, thyroid conditions result in too much hormone being produced (hyperthyroidism) or too little thyroid hormone being produced (hypothyroidism). These conditions produce symptoms that can be mild and unpleasant, where they may impact the patient’s quality of life, or serious symptoms such as a fast or uneven heart rate. For these reasons, it is important to work with your doctor to monitor and treat a thyroid condition. How do you know if you have thyroid problems?
Who should you see if you suspect thyroid problems?
Is a thyroid problem serious?
