Overview: What is Thyroid Disease?
- Learn what thyroid disease is and its common symptoms.
- Understand the difference between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
- Discover the common causes of thyroid imbalance and thyroid disease.
- Be aware of lifestyle and diet preventative measures, as well as functional medicine treatments.
Thyroid disease, a term encompassing issues that disrupt the normal functioning of the thyroid gland is a disruptive and, unfortunately, all-too-common condition. This butterfly-shaped gland is a vital hormone regulator found in the front of your lower neck. It is crucial for controlling everyday bodily functions such as metabolism, heart rate, energy levels, and mood.
When your thyroid becomes imbalanced, it can produce too much thyroid hormone, called hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid. When your thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone, this is called hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid. This is the most common thyroid issue, affecting nearly 5 out of 100 Americans aged 12 and older. Both are classified under thyroid disease and can cause symptoms.
Thyroid disease can silently wreck havoc on your body, and ignoring symptoms can cause much bigger issues down the road – from heart disease to mood issues. It’s important to treat your thyroid issues early on to avoid complications and to restore your body’s natural health and vitality.
Guide Contents
Symptoms of Thyroid Disease
Symptoms will vary based on the type of thyroid disease you may have. It’s important to seek medical help should these symptoms persist.
Hypothyroidism symptoms:
When your body is not producing enough thyroid hormone, you may experience:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Slowed heart rate
- Muscle weakness
- Coarse hair and skin
Hyperthyroidism symptoms:
When your body is producing too much thyroid hormone, you may experience:
- Unexpected weight loss
- Rapid heart rate
- Diarrhea
- Nervousness
- Sweating
- Muscle weakness
- Thinned skin or brittle hair
Other thyroid issues include thyroid cancer or having non-cancerous nodules that may affect breathing.
Causes of Thyroid Disease
Hypothyroidism causes:
Autoimmune conditions
Autoimmune issues is one of the most common ways to develop thyroid disease, Hasimoto’s thyroiditis being the most common (inflammation of the thyroid). From this, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
Iodine deficiency
Not getting enough iodine in your diet can affect your thyroid’s ability to produce hormones. This stress on your thyroid will cause it to work extra hard, creating inflammation and an enlargement of the gland (called goiters).
Congenital hypothyroidism
Some babies are born with an underdeveloped thyroid gland or one that’s missing all together.
Hyperthyroidism causes:
Autoimmune conditions
Graves’ disease causes the thyroid to produce too many thyroid hormones.
Nodules
Noncancerous lumps called nodules can form in the thyroid gland, and may overproduce thyroid hormones.
Thyroiditis
This describes inflammation of the thyroid gland often due to an autoimmune disorder. This inflammation can cause extra hormone from the thyroid gland to leak into the bloodstream.
Other Causes:
Genetics are a risk factor for developing thyroid issues, specifically if there’s a family history of Hashimoto’s. Other factors include environmental toxins, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and more. Certain medications can also disrupt thyroid function, so it’s important to ask your doctor about the side effects of any prescription drugs you’re taking.
Diagnosis of Thyroid Disease
The diagnosis of thyroid testing involves discussing your symptoms and medical history with your doctor, as well as undergoing specific tests. Typically, a THS (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) is the first test ordered, and a high TSH level may suggest hypothyroidism, while a low level could indicate hyperthyroidism. Although helpful, the standard TSH testing often misses deeper thyroid issues, leaving patients under-diagnosed and under-treated.
At Forum Health, we dive into a more personalized, thorough approach to Thyroid Testing.
If you’re ready to get a hold of your health and address concerning symptoms, consult with Forum Health professionals today.
Where to Get Thyroid Treatment
Forum Health’s Treatment Strategies
When searching for a holistic thyroid specialist or holistic treatment for thyroid nodules, look no further than Forum Health – our team of experts offer comprehensive, individualized and functional medicine techniques to bring your body back to balance.
Most thyroid testing only involves the standard TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) evaluation, but we go much deeper to evaluate your overall thyroid health honestly. With our intricate testing process, we evaluate TSH, T3 (Triiodothyronine), and T4 (Thyroxine), Antibodies TPOAb and TGAb, and nutrient levels, sodium, and selenium to thoroughly explore all aspects of your thyroid health and accurately identify any hormone imbalances, autoimmune issues, and deficiencies.
Learn more about Forum Health's
Thyroid Treatment Plans
FAQs and Additional Information
How is hyperthyroidism treated?
There are several ways to treat hyperthyroidism. At Forum Health, we take a functional medicine approach that looks at the person as a whole – analyzing diagnostic testing results to find the root cause to customize a treatment plan for you. Treatments may include: low-dose thyroid hormone replacement therapy, IV therapy, low-dose immunotherapy, professional-grade dietary supplements, toxin elimination, and diet and nutrition counseling.
What is Hashimoto’s disease?
Hasimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and gradual damage to the thyroid. This impacts hormone production, which could cause symptoms of hypothyroidism.
What is Graves’ disease?
Graves’ disease is also an autoimmune condition, but unlike Hashimoto’s, it affects the thyroid in a completely different way. The immune system produces antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland, producing an excessive amount of thyroid hormone, causing hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid.
Are there natural ways to support thyroid health?
How often should thyroid levels be checked?
Thyroid Treatment is available at these Forum Health clinics
California
Colorado
Florida
Illinois
Michigan
North Carolina
Ohio
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
