Thyroid issues often go unnoticed at first. They come on gradually over time. You may notice some of the symptoms listed in this article begin to plague your daily life and often it can grow to include numerous symptoms and even in some cases, the entire list. It may seem like your body is malfunctioning out of nowhere and the thyroid isn’t usually most people’s first guess.
It is important if you are experiencing symptoms to go get bloodwork done and checked by a doctor who is knowledgeable in the area of thyroid disease especially because it is progressive and rarely re-regulates on its own.
About the Thyroid
The thyroid gland is vital for hormone regulation. It plays a part in metabolism as well as growth and development. The thyroid helps to regulate many functions by constantly releasing a steady amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. When those hormones are not in balance, it can wreak havoc on your health and well-being both mentally and physically.
Hypothyroid and Hyperthyroid are on the rise in the American population. It is estimated that more than 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime. An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease.
Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. This condition also is called underactive thyroid.
Hypothyroid symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Puffy face
- Hoarse voice
- Coarse hair
- Dry skin
- Muscle weakness.
- Muscle aches
- Stiffness
- Bone pain
- Menstrual cycle irregularities
- Hair loss
- Low heart rate
- Depression and mood swings
- Memory issues
Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. This condition also is called overactive thyroid. Hyperthyroidism speeds up the body’s metabolism causing a range of symptoms.
Hyperthyroid symptoms may include:
- Weight loss with no effort
- Speedy heart rate
- Arrhythmia
- Palpitations
- Increased hunger
- Nervousness and irritability
- Tremor
- Sweating
- Changes in menstrual cycles
- Heat sensitivity
- Changes in bowel patterns, especially more-frequent bowel movements
- Enlarged thyroid gland
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Sleep issues
- Warm sweaty skin
- Thinning skin
- Brittle hair
Often the driving force behind thyroid dysregulation in either direction is autoimmune. This can come in the form of Hashimoto’s Disease, Grave’s Disease, subacute thyroiditis, painless thyroiditis, and postpartum thyroiditis.
In both cases thyroid disease is fully manageable with proper care.
Internal Medicine, Lipid, and Wellness is well-versed in thyroid issues and is here to help you unravel the mystery so you can support your body properly and get back to feeling like yourself again. Visit www.imlwp.com to learn more about our practice and call 239-362-3005 x200 to schedule your appointment and consultation.
