What is the thyroid?
Every human has a thyroid. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits right below the Adam’s apple, in front of your throat. Its job is to regulate your metabolism or the rate at which your body turns food and oxygen into energy.
Controlled by the pituitary gland, a healthy thyroid does this using iodine to produce regulating hormones. It also makes sure that you have a healthy heart rate, your body is sufficiently warm, and you have normal energy levels.
What are some common thyroid conditions and disorders?
Sometimes, your thyroid is disordered or otherwise compromised. Among the most common thyroid ailments and conditions are:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Enlarged thyroid glands (goiters)
- Thyroid cancer
- Thyroid nodules
Thyroid conditions frequently run in families, and you may develop a condition at birth or later in life.
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that results when the thyroid
produces too many hormones. Hyperthyroidism creates physical and mental symptoms like:
- Weight loss
- Hand tremors
- Muscle weakness
- Irritated eyes and vision problems
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Nervousness and anxiety
- Approximately 1% of the American population suffers from a specific type of hyperthyroidism called Graves’ disease. This autoimmune disorder is genetic.
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is the reverse of hyperthyroidism. If you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism leads to symptoms like:
- Sweating
- Depression
- Extreme fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Moderate weight gain
- Joint and muscle pain
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Feeling cold
- Because the symptoms of hypothyroidism are non-specific, don’t hesitate to get your thyroid checked if you notice a combination of any of these symptoms.
How do you treat thyroid problems?
If you care for your body and mind and stick to a treatment regimen, you can thrive, even with your thyroid problems.
No two patients are the same, but Houston Internal Medicine Associates PA generally recommends that, when suffering from thyroid issues, you focus on reducing inflammation in your body.
With a disordered thyroid, it’s also important to regulate your emotions and manage stress, eat a diet rich in magnesium, selenium, and iron, and avoid alcohol abuse.
When you meet with Dr. Reddy, she also prescribes any medications that will help your condition.
Are you tired of letting your thyroid rule your life? If so,
schedule an appointment at Houston Internal Medicine Associates PA online or over the phone today.
