The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck that has a huge impact on our overall health and wellbeing. This vital organ is part of the endocrine system and is responsible for regulating metabolism, growth and development, mood, temperature regulation, and more through the production of thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
Thyroid disorders occur when the thyroid becomes overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism), causing an imbalance in these crucial hormones. Some common signs and symptoms include unexpected weight changes, fatigue, temperature sensitivity, hair loss, heart palpitations, digestive issues, and changes in mood or concentration.
Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder, affecting around 5% of the population to some degree. This occurs when the thyroid fails to produce enough thyroid hormones, causing metabolism and other body functions to slow down. Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder, is the number one cause of hypothyroidism. Symptoms may be vague at first like fatigue or weight gain, but can worsen over time if left untreated.
Hyperthyroidism happens when too much thyroid hormone circulates in the bloodstream, speeding up bodily functions. One cause is Grave's disease, another autoimmune condition. Symptoms may include rapid heartbeat, weight loss, sweating, anxiety, and more frequent bowel movements.
The good news is that thyroid disorders are often manageable with the right medical treatment such as synthetic thyroid hormones to restore balance. Lifestyle measures like stress management, proper nutrition, exercise, and supplements can also help optimize thyroid function.
If you suspect a thyroid issue based on symptoms, I recommend getting comprehensive thyroid blood work done and consulting a specialist like the caring clinicians at The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic. Their functional medicine approach can accurately diagnose and tailor an effective treatment plan just for you! Managing thyroid dysfunction can make a huge difference in how you feel each day.