Thyroid disorders encompass several conditions that affect the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ at the base of the neck that helps regulate growth, metabolism, and other critical bodily functions. Some common thyroid disorders include:
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, muscle weakness, and more. Hypothyroidism is typically treated with synthetic thyroid hormone medication.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is the opposite - when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much hormone. Symptoms may include unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, difficulty sleeping, and irritability. There are several treatments available for hyperthyroidism, including antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, and surgery.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disorder whereby a person's immune system attacks their own thyroid gland. This generally leads to an underactive thyroid. Fatigue and weight gain are common complaints. Hormone therapy is the standard treatment approach.
Thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer
Most thyroid nodules are benign, but some may harbor thyroid cancer. Only about 5% of nodules turn out to be malignant, or cancerous. Treatment depends on the type and stage of thyroid cancer, and may include surgery, radioactive iodine ablation, thyroid hormone therapy, external beam radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Prognosis is typically very good.
If you or a loved one are experiencing potential thyroid disorder symptoms, don't hesitate to schedule an evaluation. The expert physicians at Prime Hormone Solutions specialize in thyroid health and getting to the root cause of hormone imbalances through comprehensive testing and personalized care plans. We accept most major insurance plans and are currently booking new patient appointments.