All about Thyroid Disorders
Most of us have heard of the thyroid, the butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck, but not everyone realizes that it influences every single metabolic process in your body. The thyroid produces thyroid hormone, which governs how fast your heart beats and how fast you burn calories. Women are more likely to have issues with their thyroid than men, and it can affect everything from your period to your ability to get and stay pregnant.
Likewise, most of us don’t pay attention to our thyroid until something starts to go wrong. Too much or too little thyroid hormone can have significant effects on your body. The most common thyroid disorders are:
- Hyperthyroidism: When your thyroid makes more thyroid hormones than your body can use, common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include rapid heartbeat, weight loss, irritability, sweating/feeling hot, trembling hands and trouble sleeping;
- Hypothyroidism: When your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough of the hormones, hypothyroidism is characterized by feeling cold, weight gain, joint paint, constipation, fatigue, dry skin and hair, and a slow heart rate;
- Goiter: An enlarged thyroid gland, which can be harmless and go away on its own or can be a sign of another thyroid disorder;
- Thyroid cancer: A rare cancer that forms from cells in thyroid tissues – many people with thyroid cancer have a nodule or swelling on their throat or neck, but it may not cause any symptoms.
“While the thyroid is a small gland, it can create real havoc in the body if something is left untreated,” said Dr. Donna Block. “If you are feeling out of whack and out of sorts, it might be your thyroid telling you something. We are always here to discuss any symptoms and treatments so that you can begin to feel better again.”
If you think something is amiss with your thyroid, your doctor can diagnose it via your medical history, a physical exam and some simple tests. While some people recover from thyroid disorders on their own, sometimes lifestyle changes and medication are needed to bring the body back into balance.
