Thyroid disorders impact how your body uses energy. The thyroid gland in your neck makes hormones that control heart rate, temperature, weight, and more. Hypothyroidism means the gland makes too little hormone, while hyperthyroidism is too much hormone.
What causes thyroid problems? Your genes, pregnancy, infections, radiation exposure, and some medicines play a role. Iodine deficiency also leads to hypothyroidism.
Symptoms depend on the type:
- Hypothyroid: fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, muscle cramps, dry skin, constipation
- Hyperthyroid: anxiousness, trouble sleeping, weight loss, rapid heartbeat
Who's at risk? Women, especially over age 60. Risk rises with family history of thyroid disease, an autoimmune disorder, or other conditions like type 1 diabetes.
Diagnosis starts with blood tests measuring TSH and thyroid hormones T3 and T4. An antibody test helps find autoimmune thyroid problems like Hashimoto's or Graves' disease. Your doctor may order an ultrasound or radioactive iodine uptake test.
Treatment aims to balance your hormone levels with synthetic thyroid medication like
levothyroxine. You’ll likely need lifelong medication and regular lab testing. Controlling related conditions like anemia, high cholesterol, and osteoporosis also helps.
For stubborn cases, alternatives include combination therapy with T3 medication, natural thyroid preparations, or radioactive iodine or surgery to partially destroy the thyroid.
Managing thyroid problems takes patience, but you can feel better with consistent treatment and healthy lifestyle habits like regular exercise, stress relief practices, quality sleep, and a nutrient-rich diet. Support groups connect you with others also working to balance their thyroid hormone levels. Stay hopeful!