What are thyroid problems?
The thyroid is a small gland in the front of your neck. It's shaped like a butterfly and regulates your body’s metabolic processes, including heartbeat and how quickly you burn calories. There are different types of thyroid problems that can disrupt these processes.
Some thyroid problems include:
- Goiters: enlargement of the thyroid gland
- Nodules: abnormal lumps or masses on the thyroid
- Thyroid cancer: several types; high survival rates
However, the most common thyroid conditions are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
What is hypothyroidism?
If you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. That can be the result of several factors, including inflammation of the thyroid and thyroid hormone resistance.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fluid retention
- Feeling cold
- Fatigue
- Mental fogginess or inability to concentrate
- Constipation
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Aching joints and muscles
Women with hypothyroidism can also experience long menstrual periods with excessive bleeding.
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is less common than hypothyroidism and occurs when your thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. This condition is usually due to thyroid nodules, excessive iodine consumption, Graves’ disease, or toxic multinodular goiters.
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Fatigue
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fast heart rate
- Inability to tolerate heat
- Increased bowel movements
- Increased sweating
- Inability to concentrate
If you’re suffering from hyperthyroidism, you may also notice unexplained nervousness or tremors.
How are thyroid problems diagnosed and treated?
Thyroid problems are typically manageable conditions that aren’t life-threatening.
Based on your symptoms and physical exam, your physician at Doctors of Bellevue-Redmond orders blood tests to measure levels of TSH and thyroid hormones in your system. Depending on your symptoms and blood work, your doctor might also order digital imaging tests like ultrasounds to look for calcifications or cysts.
For some thyroid problems, advanced testing is necessary. These scans involve using radioactive iodine to evaluate the function of thyroid nodules. Fine needle aspiration and biopsies are also done in some cases to diagnose thyroid conditions based on tissue samples.
Most thyroid problems like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism respond effectively to medications. However, in extreme cases, surgery is required to remove nodules, large goiters, or the entire thyroid gland.
If you’re experiencing symptoms associated with a thyroid disorder, call Doctors of Bellevue-Redmond or schedule an appointment online.
