Let’s wrap up Thyroid Awareness Month by shining some light on the three conditions that can affect your thyroid: Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, and Hashimoto’s.
Your thyroid is one of the most important organs in your body. This small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck below the Adam’s apple is responsible for producing the hormones that regulate your energy, mood, and metabolism, along with several other bodily functions. Basically, the thyroid is the powerhouse of your body!
Thyroid hormone levels can affect many parts of the body. Let’s talk about the symptoms and why a diagnosis matters before choosing treatment.
The 3 H’s
What Is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is where the body produces too much thyroid hormone. This condition is actually more rare than hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s. One of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism is Graves Disease: an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid and causes it to produce too much thyroid hormone. Additionally, inflammation of the thyroid, taking too much iodine, or having overactive thyroid nodules can all lead to the overproduction of thyroid hormone.
When our thyroid is overactive, typically we see symptoms including anxiety, diarrhea, weight loss, hair loss, excessive sweating, irritability, and sometimes eye inflammation (such as bulging and redness). Hyperthyroidism can also hugely impact the heart. It can lead to an elevated heart rate, changes in blood pressure, or palpitations, which can be uncomfortable and problematic for the heart long-term. If you’ve been experiencing long standing anxiety along with these physical symptoms, your mental health and cardiovascular health must be properly assessed when evaluating for hyperthyroidism!
What Is Hypothyroidism?
Contrary to hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism is the condition where your thyroid doesn’t create enough thyroid hormones. While this condition can affect anyone at any age, women are more likely to have symptoms of hypothyroidism than men. It is also more common for hypothyroidism to develop in postmenopausal women.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism tend to develop slowly — it’s unfortunately quite common for this to go undiagnosed for years. It can also be difficult to get a proper diagnosis, because these symptoms can easily be confused with other conditions. With an underactive thyroid, and thus a slowing metabolism, we typically notice fatigue and weight gain symptoms first. Other symptoms include constipation, sensitivity to cold, muscle weakness, dry skin, brittle hair and nails, slowed heart rate, depression, and irregular menstrual cycles.
Hypothyroidism Vs Hashimoto's
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease (aka Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis) — an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid and prevents it from producing enough thyroid hormone.
Hashimoto’s can run in families. Your symptoms, family history and thyroid testing help your clinician understand whether an autoimmune thyroid condition is part of your picture.
Getting a Proper Diagnosis
Labs
TSH is a useful starting point for thyroid testing. Depending on your history and results, your clinician may consider free T4, antibody testing or other tests. Every test should answer a question about YOUR care.
Imaging
Imaging may be appropriate when your examination or history raises a specific concern, such as a nodule or an enlarged thyroid. Ask what an ultrasound would tell us and whether it is needed in your situation.
Putting a Plan in Place
Your symptoms and test results belong in the same conversation. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, your medical history and your goals. Medication and specialist care may be important parts of that plan. Do not stop prescribed thyroid medication or add thyroid supplements without discussing them with your clinician.
For more information, see the American Thyroid Association’s guide to thyroid testing.
Happy Thyroid, Happy Life
Ready to make sense of your thyroid concerns? Learn about thyroid and Hashimoto’s care at ISAIH Natural Medicine in Boise. We want to hear your story, review what you already know and help you understand the next step.
You can schedule a free introductory call to ask about the practice and getting started.