A thyroid disease is a medical condition that affects the function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that regulate many important body functions, including metabolism. Thyroid diseases can cause the gland to produce too much or too little hormone, which can lead to serious health problems as your hormone levels aren’t regular.
There are two main types of thyroid diseases: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism, also called overactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Thyroxine helps to regulate metabolism, so too much of it can cause problems such as weight loss, anxiety, and heart palpitations. Hyperthyroidism can be treated with medication or surgery.
The effects of hyperthyroidism can vary from person to person. Some people may only have a few mild symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms. The most common symptoms of having too much thyroid hormone being produced include:
If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to serious problems such as osteoporosis, heart failure, and an increased risk of death.
There are several possible causes of hyperthyroidism, but the most common cause is Graves’ disease. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This leads to the thyroid gland becoming inflamed and overactive. Other less common causes of hyperthyroidism include:
The most common treatment for hyperthyroidism is taking a daily medication to prevent the thyroid gland from making too much thyroid hormone. Surgery to remove the thyroid gland is also an option, but it is usually only recommended if you cannot tolerate the side effects of medication or if your hyperthyroidism is caused by Graves’ disease.
If you have any questions or concerns about hyperthyroidism, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of the hormone thyroxine. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Hypothyroidism can be treated with medication.
Hypothyroidism can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
Hypothyroidism can also lead to an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).
There are many possible causes of hypothyroidism, including having an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s disease and Graves’ disease, certain medications, radiation therapy, and surgery.
Hypothyroidism is usually treated with medication or a thyroid stimulating hormone. The most common medication used to treat hypothyroidism is levothyroxine (Synthroid).
If you have any questions or concerns about hypothyroidism, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Thyroid hormones are important because they help regulate the body’s metabolism. Metabolism is the process by which the body breaks down food and uses it for energy.
Thyroid hormones also play a role in maintaining the body’s temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Whenever products of these hormones are affected by thyroid disorders, it can cause a litany of issues for your body function. This is why it is so important to explore treatment options with your doctor if you discover that you have an irregular thyroid function!
Whether you are already being treated for an underactive thyroid or can relate to the symptoms, having your thyroid optimized , versus being told it’s “normal” is essential to feeling better & studies have shown the thyroid hormone T3 improves mood better than synthetic antidepressants. If your thyroid hormone is not optimized, no other hormone can be either & a consideration that’s often overlooked in the world of hormones is that the “normal” ranges are not always representative of where you may feel and look your best. At Total Body Wellness we listen carefully to what our clients have to say and pay attention to their symptoms, rather than just the lab numbers. Our goal is for you to be optimal , not “normal”.
The post Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism: What’s the difference? appeared first on Total Body Wellness.
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