Thyroid disorders impact how your body uses energy. The thyroid gland in your neck produces thyroid hormones that control your metabolism. When the thyroid produces too many or too few hormones, your body's energy balance is disrupted.
The most common thyroid disorders include:
- Hypothyroidism - When the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, and feeling cold.
- Hyperthyroidism - When the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms include unintended weight loss, rapid heartbeat, irritability, and muscle weakness.
- Hashimoto’s disease - An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This typically leads to an underactive thyroid.
- Graves' disease - An autoimmune disorder that usually results in hyperthyroidism as antibodies overstimulate the thyroid.
- Goiter - Enlargement of the thyroid gland which can be related to iodine deficiency or nodules on the thyroid.
- Thyroid cancer - Cancerous nodules develop on the thyroid, often first noticed as a lump on the neck.
Getting tested by your doctor is crucial, as many thyroid disorders do not cause obvious symptoms at first. Your doctor can check for thyroid issues with simple
blood tests and
ultrasounds.
The great news? Thyroid disorders are often manageable with medications like
levothyroxine, radioiodine therapy, or surgery if needed. With proper treatment, most people with thyroid conditions can manage their symptoms and live healthy lives!
If you're struggling with unexplained fatigue or weight changes, I encourage checking in with your doctor and requesting
TSH, T3, and T4
thyroid function tests. The knowledgeable endocrinologists at
Peak Performance Hormone Institute specialize in holistic thyroid and hormone health. I highly recommend them!