Thyroid Condition
Do You Have a Thyroid Condition?
The thyroid gland is located in the lower part of the neck and is shaped like a small butterfly. This gland produces two hormones – T3 or triiodothyronine and T4 or thyroxine. The purpose of these hormones is to deliver energy to cells all over the body. When the thyroid does not function as it should, it could trigger off several health conditions. These include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and goiter. Over 60 million Americans suffer from a thyroid disease, but the most common is an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism.
Do you suspect that you may be having an underactive thyroid? Trinity Primary Care wants to help you get healthy as soon as possible. Call us today to schedule an appointment to have your thyroid checked.
Symptoms of a Hypothyroid Condition
Unfortunately, many people suffer from a hypothyroid condition but of them go undiagnosed. The symptoms are often quite similar to other medical conditions. The most common symptoms include:
• Slower metabolism
• Fatigue, exhaustion, or a rundown feeling
• Weight gain
• Low body temperature
• Depression or mood swings
• Coarse, dry flaky skin
• Coarse, brittle, hair or hair loss
• Achy joints and muscles, especially in hands and feet
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Fertility problems
• Difficulty concentrating or forgetfulness
• Dry and gritty eyes
• Eyes sensitive to light
• “Jumpy or bounding” eyes
• Vertigo
• More frequent infections
• Decreased sex drive
Not everyone who has an underactive thyroid will experience all of these thyroid symptoms.
What Are the Causes of a Hypothyroid Condition?
There are several different causes for hypothyroidism. Some people are born with improperly formed thyroid. This gland may be removed due to cancer. The most common cause of hypothyroid is an autoimmune disease. Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune disease that specifically targets the thyroid gland and destroys its ability to produce the T3 and T4 hormones.
Treatments Available for Hypothyroidism
There are treatments available for hypothyroidism. A synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levthroid) is generally prescribed. This medication is taken orally and can help restore healthy thyroid hormone levels in the body. Most patients report significant improvement within one to two weeks of being on the medication. Many patients will notice a drop in their cholesterol levels and may find that they lose most of the weight they have gained.
There are side effects and it does take some time for the correct dosage to be determined. The most common side effects include increased appetite, insomnia, shakiness, and heart palpitations; however, most of these side effects can be controlled by changing the dosage. If you consume a lot of soy products or foods high in fiber, iron supplements, or calcium supplements, be sure to tell the doctor, as this can affect how well the levothyroxine is absorbed by your body.
Thyroid Condition
Do You Have a Thyroid Condition?
The thyroid gland is located in the lower part of the neck and is shaped like a small butterfly. This gland produces two hormones – T3 or triiodothyronine and T4 or thyroxine. The purpose of these hormones is to deliver energy to cells all over the body. When the thyroid does not function as it should, it could trigger off several health conditions. These include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and goiter. Over 60 million Americans suffer from a thyroid disease, but the most common is an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism.
Do you suspect that you may be having an underactive thyroid? Trinity Primary Care wants to help you get healthy as soon as possible. Call us today to schedule an appointment to have your thyroid checked.
Symptoms of a Hypothyroid Condition
Unfortunately, many people suffer from a hypothyroid condition but of them go undiagnosed. The symptoms are often quite similar to other medical conditions. The most common symptoms include:
• Slower metabolism
• Fatigue, exhaustion, or a rundown feeling
• Weight gain
• Low body temperature
• Depression or mood swings
• Coarse, dry flaky skin
• Coarse, brittle, hair or hair loss
• Achy joints and muscles, especially in hands and feet
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Fertility problems
• Difficulty concentrating or forgetfulness
• Dry and gritty eyes
• Eyes sensitive to light
• “Jumpy or bounding” eyes
• Vertigo
• More frequent infections
• Decreased sex drive
Not everyone who has an underactive thyroid will experience all of these thyroid symptoms.
What Are the Causes of a Hypothyroid Condition?
There are several different causes for hypothyroidism. Some people are born with improperly formed thyroid. This gland may be removed due to cancer. The most common cause of hypothyroid is an autoimmune disease. Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune disease that specifically targets the thyroid gland and destroys its ability to produce the T3 and T4 hormones.
Treatments Available for Hypothyroidism
There are treatments available for hypothyroidism. A synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levthroid) is generally prescribed. This medication is taken orally and can help restore healthy thyroid hormone levels in the body. Most patients report significant improvement within one to two weeks of being on the medication. Many patients will notice a drop in their cholesterol levels and may find that they lose most of the weight they have gained.
There are side effects and it does take some time for the correct dosage to be determined. The most common side effects include increased appetite, insomnia, shakiness, and heart palpitations; however, most of these side effects can be controlled by changing the dosage. If you consume a lot of soy products or foods high in fiber, iron supplements, or calcium supplements, be sure to tell the doctor, as this can affect how well the levothyroxine is absorbed by your body.