Thyroid Disorders
Your thyroid gland is a small gland located just below your Adam’s apple on your neck. The thyroid produces hormones that affect your body’s metabolism, energy level and so much more. Thyroid problems are extremely common. Unfortunately, they are often misdiagnosed because symptoms come on gradually and can affect so many body systems. Patients can also be misdiagnosed if their provider is only using limited testing (i.e.: TSH only) to diagnose thyroid disease.
So let’s review common thyroid symptoms associated with under active (hypothyroidism) and overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid function.
HYPOTHYROIDISM
When the thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormone the person is said to have hypothyroidism. Everything slows down and the symptoms can be diverse including:
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Weight gain
- Feeling cold or having low body temperatures
- Dry skin and hair
- Hair loss
- Menstrual irregularity
- Constipation
- Brain Fog
- Infertility
- Low Sex Drive
HYPOTHYROIDISM
When the thyroid is producing too much thyroid hormone the person is said to have hyperthyroidism. Symptoms can include:
- Jitteriness, shaking
- Anxiety, irritability
- Rapid heart beat or palpitations
- Feeling hot
- Weight loss
- Fatigue, feeling exhausted
- More frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
- Shorter or lighter menstrual periods
If you are concerned you may have a thyroid disorder please schedule a consultation with our physician assistant, Rabia Vaughns.
You can also complete our thyroid questionnaire and bring it with you to your visit.
Further reading: To learn more about thyroid disease we recommend the following books:
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause by: Izabella Wentz PharmD
- Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests are Normal: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Understanding Hashimoto’s Disease and Hypothyroidism by: Dr. Datis Kharrazian
- Thyroid Healthy, Lose Weight, Look Beautiful and Live the Life You Imagine by: Suzy Cohen RPh
