Hypothyroidism
When the thyroid gland is unable to produce an appropriate amount of thyroid hormone to meet the body’s needs, it is diagnosed as hypothyroidism. Because the thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, heart functions, the nervous system, breathing, body temperature, skin quality, weight and cholesterol levels, this condition causes many body functions to slow.
Those who suffer from hypothyroidism may notice symptoms such as weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, fatigue, puffy face, thinning hair, muscle and joint pain, depression, irregular menstrual cycles and depression. Because hypothyroidism can contribute to high cholesterol, often doctors will have the thyroid tested when a patient presents a high cholesterol count.
There are many potential causes of hypothyroidism including Hashimoto’s disease, inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis), pituitary gland disorders, surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid and certain medications. Additionally, people may be born with hypothyroidism making it a congenital disorder.
Hypothyroidism is very treatable with synthetic thyroid hormones. Typically the body will adjust within 6 to 8 weeks from the start of treatment, and adjustments are made in the dosage until the optimal result is achieved. If you are experiencing the symptoms of hypothyroidism, please contact us today. We are here to get you back on the right track to good health.
Thyroid Nodules
In some instances, the thyroid develops solid or fluid-filled lumps that can cause a series of related health problems. These lumps are called thyroid nodules and while they are rarely cancerous, the issues that arise from problems in this gland, which is located at the base of the neck, can be quite serious.
Most often, a thyroid nodule can exist undetected for a time. Typically, thyroid nodules are discovered during a routine medical examination. If the nodule grows undetected for some time, it may press on the windpipe and slightly obstruct breathing. Other symptoms that may become apparent are related to an overactive thyroid and the excess production of thyroxine. Symptoms of thyroxine overproduction, known as hyperthyroidism, include sudden weight loss, sleeplessness, muscle weakness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and an abnormally nervous or irritable temperament.
Fortunately, there are many effective treatment options available for thyroid nodules. The appropriate treatment depends on the type and size of the specific nodule. It may be prudent to just keep an eye on a developing nodule, or try hormone suppression therapy. Other options include radioactive iodine treatments to shrink the nodule or surgery to remove it completely. Contact us today to learn more about thyroid nodules and effective treatment options.
Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that is not caused by infection. This condition is typically associated with hypothyroidism, which implies that the thyroid is under active and not producing an appropriate amount of the thyroxine hormone. There are five different kinds of thyroiditis, with differing causes and symptoms. These types are:
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis – also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, this condition is typically genetic or associated with other autoimmune diseases like rheumatiod arthritis or diabetes. The symptoms of the resulting hypothyroidism come on gradually but if left untreated can become severe.
- Painful Thyroiditis – also called subacute granulomatous thyroiditis, this form typically begins as a viral infection that spreads to the thyroid gland. The infection causes pain and sensitivity in the throat that may spread to the jaw and ear and can trigger the development of TMJ, strep throat or ear infections.
- Painless Thyroiditis – known also as subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis, this condition commonly appears in women following childbirth.
- Reidel’s Thyroiditis – this rare form causes the thyroid gland to become hard and merge with the surrounding mucles and even the windpipe.
- Acute Suppurative Thyroiditis – an extremely rare form of the disease, this condition is caused by an abcess formed by a bacterial infection in the thyroid.
If you or someone you love is suffering with any form of thyroiditis, we are here to assist you with effective diagnosis and treatment today.
Hyperparathyroidism
The parathyroid glands are four small glands found adjacent to the thyroid, which is located in the neck. These glands have different functions than the thyroid and are responsible for the secretion of PTH, a hormone that balances calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which the parathyroid glands is unable to properly regulate hormone secretion and an excess of PTH is delivered to the body, causing blood calcium to rise. The condition caused by an elevated blood calcium level, known as hypercalcemia, typically causes problems in the body and alters medical professionals to the condition of hyperparathyroidism.
Common symptoms of hyperparathyroidism may include: weakness, aches and pains, fatigue, depression, constipation, loss of appetite, impaired memory, increased thirst, nausea, vomiting, and increased urination. The imbalance of calcium in the blood may cause bone thinning as well as kidney stones.
The specific cause of hyperparathyroidism is unknown and only about 5% of cases can be linked to family history of the disorder. Over 100,000 people in the US are diagnosed with this condition each year, with women contracting it twice as much as men.
Women over the age of 60 have an increased likelihood of being affected by hyperparathyroidism. In over 95% of the cases a surgical option is used to effectively treat the condition.
If you or someone you love is affected buy hyperparathyroidism, contact us today.