Thyroid disorders are common among Americans, where over 12% of the population develop complications at some point in their lives. However, some people are more likely to develop these complications than others. Although you may not prevent the disease, it is vital to detect it early to manage it effectively. Humble, TX endocrinology specialists at North Houston Diabetes Institute can help you diagnose thyroid disorders and offer treatment options to reduce symptoms and improve your life quality.
Understanding Thyroid Disorder
This is one of the common causes of hormonal imbalance in the body. It is a complication related to your neck’s thyroid gland that makes hormones to control your body’s metabolism. The gland can make either too many thyroid hormones, leading to a condition known as hyperthyroidism or it can also produce too few thyroid hormones, leading to a condition known as hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism
This condition is also referred to as overactive thyroid and is commonly caused by Grave’s disease, an autoimmune disorder. Grave’s disease occurs when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland. The damage to the glands causes it to produce too much thyroid hormone. Certain medications and pituitary gland complications can also cause hyperthyroidism.
Risk Factors Associated with Hyperthyroidism
- Recent pregnancy
- Being over 60
- Being female
- Family history of thyroid disease or an autoimmune disease
- Consumption of significant amounts of iodine through medications or foods
- Having an autoimmune disease
- Personal history of thyroid problems
Hypothyroidism
This complication is also referred to as underactive thyroid and occurs when your thyroid glands fail to produce enough thyroid hormone, slowing down your body’s metabolism. The common cause of this is an autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Besides, some medications and pituitary gland dysfunction can slow down thyroid production resulting in hypothyroidism.
Risk Factors Associated with Hypothyroidism
- Having chromosomal abnormalities
- Personal history of lithium use
- Experiencing hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause
- Being Caucasian or Asian
- Having an autoimmune disease
- Having a family history of an autoimmune disease
- Having a family history of thyroid disease
- Prior thyroid surgery
- Exposure to radiations in the neck
- Being over 60
- Being female
Common Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders
If you are enduring a thyroid disorder, you might experience the following symptoms, and you should seek expert care upon noticing any.
- Lumps on the thyroid gland
- Enlarged thyroid gland
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sleeping complications
- Changes in menstrual periods for women
- Dry or pale skin and hair
- Depression, irritability, and fatigue
- Joint pain
- Muscle weaknesses
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Frequent bowel movements or constipation
- Heat or cold sensitivity
Note that although anyone can be affected by thyroid disorders, they are more prevalent in women than men. About one in eight women is affected by the complications at some point in life.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To know if you are suffering from a thyroid disorder, your provider at North Huston Diabetes Institute will examine your symptoms and check on your medical history, including your family history. They may also carry out a physical exam, ultrasound, and blood tests. A biopsy can also be recommended to diagnose the complication and develop a treatment plan.
After your provider confirms your condition, they will recommend treatment options based on your symptoms and particular condition. Treatment options may include:
- Radioiodine therapy
- Dietary supplements
- Medications
- Diet and other lifestyle changes
When your provider diagnoses thyroid cancer, thyroid surgery may be your option.
Learn more about thyroid disorders by contacting your provider at North Houston Diabetes Institute today.
