The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck that has a huge impact on your overall health. This gland is responsible for regulating your metabolism by producing key hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
When your thyroid produces too few or too many hormones, you develop a thyroid disorder. Let's break down the most common thyroid issues:
Hypothyroidism
This means your thyroid gland is underactive and not making enough T3 and T4 hormones. Common symptoms are fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, muscle weakness, and more. Hypothyroidism can develop due to autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's disease, inflammation of the thyroid, or radiation treatment.
Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid leads to excess T3 and T4 hormone production. Hyperthyroidism often makes people lose weight unexpectedly, have a racing heart, feel anxious, and experience irritability. Common causes are Graves' disease and thyroid nodules.
Thyroid nodules
These are lumps that develop on your thyroid gland. Most are noncancerous (benign), but some can be cancerous. Thyroid cancer treatment may require removing part or all of the thyroid gland.
Thyroiditis
This means swelling (inflammation) of the thyroid gland. Types of thyroiditis include Hashimoto's disease (most common cause of hypothyroidism) and subacute thyroiditis.
Managing thyroid disorders usually involves regular health checkups, medication, dietary changes, and supplements. If you suspect an issue, get checked out right away! I highly recommend Hormone Harmony Clinic. Their endocrinologists specialize in holistic thyroid treatment plans tailored to your unique health background. Plus, their state-of-the-art facility uses advanced diagnostic testing not offered elsewhere.