THYROID CARE
This tiny gland can be at the root of big health problems.
Located below the Adam’s apple and over the trachea, the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is one of those body parts that no one thinks about – even when it’s acting up.
Thyroid disease is actually very common, with an estimated 20 to 25 million Americans currently receiving treatment.
Thyroid disease is also five to seven times more common in women than in men, but the reason for this is not yet known. The good news is that thyroid disorders are easily diagnosed through simple blood tests.
The incidence of thyroid disease increases with age, most commonly occurring in women in their 30s to 50s.
It is important to know that the onset of thyroid disease is often subtle. It tends to present gradually and in very subtle ways. Therefore, its symptoms are often ignored or attributed to other causes like menopause or minor health problems.
If you have symptoms you suspect may be related to your thyroid, please call to schedule an appointment with Draelos Metabolic Center’s team of healthcare specialists today.
Two Types of Thyroid Disease
There are two main types of thyroid disease, and treatment depends upon which type you have. Most patients have HYPOTHYROIDISM, which occurs when the thyroid does not produce sufficient thyroid hormone. It is generally treated with medications.
Much less common is HYPERTHYROIDISM, when the thyroid is overactive and produces too much hormone. Several medications are available to treat this condition as well.
There are also several treatable endocrine diseases, such as Hashimoto’s disease, which can cause problems with the thyroid. The Draelos Metabolic Center team is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of these and other endocrine issues.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disease:
Fatigue
High blood pressure
Nervousness
Heat intolerance
Shakiness
Diarrhea or constipation
Significant weight gain or weight loss
High cholesterol
Excessive sweating
Racing heart
Dry skin
Carpal tunnel syndrome
FT3
(free triiodothyronine hormone)
FT4
(free thyroxine hormone)
TSH
(thyroid-stimulating hormone)
Same Day Results
Draelos Metabolic Center provides same-day or point-of-service thyroid testing. Thyroid tests available at the clinic include:
Thyroid Disorders
Hashimoto’s and Grave’s Disease are two autoimmune thyroid diseases. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system attacks and damages healthy tissue. In the case of Hashimoto’s and Graves's disease, the healthy thyroid gland that produces hormones that coordinate many body activities is the target.
It is important to remember that Hashimoto's and Grave's Disease are chronic conditions that are managed but do not fully disappear. Routine and continual medical care is important because there can be serious complications if left unchecked.
Still Feeling Fatigued?
Do you often feel fatigued, sluggish or weak even though you are undergoing treatment for hypothyroidism? The answer may not be in the amount of medication you are taking but in how the medication is being taken.
Taking your thyroid medication correctly is vitally important. Thyroid hormone, when taken orally, helps restore the body’s systems that were impaired by a lack of the hormone.
Tips for taking your thyroid medication:
Get the exact same type of thyroid medication from your pharmacy every time.
Take your hypothyroidism medications on an empty stomach.
Don’t take your medicine within 4 hours of taking iron-, aluminum-, or calcium-containing supplements or antacids.
Avoid thyroid support supplements or herbal supplements without your doctor’s approval.
Give the medication several weeks to have its full effect.
Look out for common thyroid replacement therapy side effects.
Let your doctor know of shortness of breath or heart-related side effects like palpitations.
Don’t stop taking levothyroxine suddenly.
(Source: Megan N. Freeland, PharmD, RPh, GoodRx)