The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck that has a huge impact on our overall health. This vital organ is part of the endocrine system and is responsible for regulating metabolism, growth and development, mood, body temperature, and much more through the production of thyroid hormones.
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are two common disorders that impact the thyroid. When the thyroid becomes underactive and doesn't produce enough hormones, it causes hypothyroidism. Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, feeling cold, and depression. On the flip side, hyperthyroidism results from an overactive thyroid that produces too many hormones. Some classic signs are unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, tremors, and irritability.
What causes these thyroid issues to develop? Experts cite factors like chronic stress, nutritional deficiencies, pregnancy, autoimmune diseases, radiation exposure, and more. There also seems to be a genetic component, so thyroid problems tend to run in families.
If you suspect your thyroid may be out of whack, it's important to consult your doctor right away. They can run blood tests to check your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid antibody levels to determine if you have a thyroid disorder. Starting treatment quickly makes a big difference in managing symptoms.
For hypothyroidism, getting on thyroid hormone replacement medication like Synthroid is typically the first line of defense. It works to restore adequate hormone levels. Diet and lifestyle adjustments like eating more nutrient-dense whole foods, reducing stress, and taking targeted nutritional supplements can provide added support.
At Hormone Wellness Center, we specialize in getting to the root cause of hormone issues like thyroid disorders. Our functional medicine doctors use advanced testing and create fully customized treatment plans to help patients regain optimal thyroid function. We'd be happy to see if our services might be a fit to help you reclaim your health, vitality and happiness!