Thyroid Specialist

What causes thyroid disorder?

Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the base of your neck. This small, but powerful, the gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate your heart rate, metabolism, and digestive function, to name a few. A thyroid disorder can be broken into two general categories:

Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

Hypothyroidism means that your thyroid isn’t producing enough of the essential thyroid hormones. This can occur if you have an autoimmune disease, pituitary disorder, or iodine deficiency, among other conditions. Hypothyroidism can also be a side effect of certain prescription medications.

Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

Hyperthyroidism is just the opposite — you have abnormally high levels of thyroid hormones. While less common than hypothyroidism, an overactive thyroid can stem from such conditions as Graves’ disease, toxic multinodular goiter, and thyroiditis.

What are the symptoms of thyroid disease?

The symptoms you experience with thyroid disease depend on whether the gland is underactive or overactive. Common symptoms of each are described below.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

If your thyroid hormones are running low, you may experience several of the following symptoms:

• Depression or mood swings
• Weight gain
• Dry skin or hair
• High cholesterol
• Widespread body aches
• Poor memory
• Constipation

Women who have low thyroid levels may also have abnormally heavy menstrual periods.

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

If your thyroid hormones are too high, you’re probably going to experience at least a few of these issues:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nervousness and irritability
• Rapid heartbeat
• Frequent bowel movements

Usually, diagnosing a thyroid disorder involves a simple blood draw. So, if any of the above symptoms sound familiar, schedule an evaluation at Balance Hormone Center for an expert diagnosis and treatment plan.

How are thyroid imbalances treated?

Gordon Hart, PA-C, and the skilled team at Balance Hormone Center design your thyroid imbalance treatment based on your condition — hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism — as well as the severity of the symptoms you’re experiencing. For hypothyroidism, you may benefit from natural thyroid hormone therapy.

These thyroid therapy treatments are better absorbed by your body, as compared to synthetic hormones. Plus, because natural thyroid hormone therapy involves using hormones that are molecularly similar to your natural thyroid hormones, you’re less likely to have side effects.

For overactive thyroid, your treatment may include beta blockers or anti-thyroid medications. With both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, you might benefit from in-office IV therapy sessions, too.

Before living another day with a thyroid hormone imbalance, see what the team at Balance Hormone Center can do for you. Book your appointment online or over the phone today.

* Individual results may vary.