What are common thyroid problems?
Your thyroid is a small gland located at the front of your throat, just below your larynx. It produces hormones — thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) — that affect every cell in your body. Thyroid hormones regulate your metabolism, heart rate, digestive function, and more.
Thyroid disorders typically cause hyperactivity or hypoactivity. Common types of hyperactive thyroid disorders include Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis.
Hashimoto’s disease is the primary cause of hypothyroidism. You can also develop hypothyroidism following treatment for hyperthyroidism, such as surgery or radioactive iodine treatments.
What are the signs of a thyroid problem?
Thyroid disease symptoms vary depending on whether you have a hyperactive or hypoactive thyroid. For example, a hyperactive thyroid can cause:
- Unintended weight loss
- Irritability and anxiety
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Heat intolerance
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Rapid heartbeat
However, if you have a hypoactive thyroid, you’re more likely to experience weight gain, fatigue, dry hair and skin, depression, memory loss, irregular menstruation, and libido loss.
When should I talk to a doctor about thyroid disease?
Your thyroid is critical to your overall health and body function, and if you suspect a problem, you should make an appointment right away.
In addition to performing a physical exam and reviewing your symptoms, Dr. Liederbach provides comprehensive blood tests to evaluate your T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Your pituitary gland produces TSH, which stimulates thyroid hormone production. Low TSH levels contribute to thyroid dysfunction.
How do you treat thyroid disease?
Treatment depends on whether you have a hyperactive or hypoactive thyroid disorder. Dr. Liederbach can prescribe synthetic thyroid hormones to make up for an underactive thyroid.
He can also recommend medication to regulate a hyperactive thyroid. In some cases, you might need surgery or a radioactive iodine treatment to remove or damage part of your thyroid to reduce your hormone production.
Dr. Liederbach also provides lifestyle advice to promote thyroid health and enhance your overall wellness. For example, if your thyroid is underactive, you might need to follow a low-calorie diet and make sure you get enough exercise to manage your weight.
Call Wilmington Adult Medicine or make an appointment online today if you’re concerned about your thyroid function and want expert, patient-focused care.
