How Is Hypothyroidism Treated
Hypothyroidism is treated with medicine that gives your body the thyroid hormone it needs to work normally. The most common medicines are man-made forms of the hormone that your thyroid makes. You will likely need to take thyroid hormone pills for the rest of your life. When you take the pills as your doctor tells you to, the pills are very safe.
Tip : Consider A Selenium Supplement
Selenium is a trace mineral your body requires to activate thyroid hormone. Studies have linked low selenium levels with increased risks for chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, Graves disease, and goiter.
You can increase your selenium levels by increasing your intake of meat, seafood, or whole grains. But some people may require a supplement to enhance selenium levels. Talk with your doctor about what may help.
Consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor if you experience the following symptoms as they could be related to your thyroid:
- feeling a nodule or lump on either side of your larynx
- experiencing weight loss or gain that you cant explain by changes in diet or activity level
- constantly feeling very hot or very cold
- experiencing mood changes, such as depression, anxiety, or nervousness
- feeling a sense of significant fatigue
These symptoms can all indicate a potential thyroid concern and warrant a trip to your doctor.
There are two thyroid-related conditions that can be medical emergencies: myxedema coma and thyroid storm. You should seek emergency medical attention for either.
What Blood Tests Do Doctors Use To Check Thyroid Function
Doctors may order one or more blood tests to check your thyroid function. Tests may include thyroid stimulating hormone , T4, T3, and thyroid antibody tests.
For these tests, a health care professional will draw blood from your arm and send it to a lab for testing. Your doctor will talk to you about your test results.
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What Causes Thyroid Problems
Several different problems can arise when your thyroid produces too much hormone or not enough .
When your thyroid is underproducing or overproducing, it can cause bothersome symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, weight loss, weight gain, and more.
Four common issues associated with the thyroid include Hashimotos thyroiditis, Graves disease, goiter , and thyroid nodules. Keep reading to learn about common thyroid disorders and diseases as well as their symptoms and treatment.
In hyperthyroidism, your thyroid gland is overactive. It produces too much thyroid hormone. This can cause many of your bodys functions to speed up.
Hyperthyroidism affects between 1 and 3 percent of people in the United States and is more common in women.
Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, affecting about 70 percent of people with an overactive thyroid. Nodules on your thyroid a condition called toxic nodular goiter or multinodular goiter can also cause the gland to overproduce its hormones.
Hyperthyroidism can also be caused by:
- thyroid gland inflammation
Hyperthyroidism diagnosis and treatment
A doctor or healthcare professional can diagnose hyperthyroidism by running tests that measure your levels of thyroid hormone or how effectively your thyroid is working.
Treatments for hyperthyroidism destroy your thyroid gland or block it from producing its hormones. Treatments can include:
How The Thyroid Works
Just as the thyroid gland communicates with other organs through the hormone it produces, the pituitary gland in the brain communicates with the thyroid through a hormone it makesthyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH. When the pituitary senses that thyroid hormone levels are too low, it releases more TSH to coax the thyroid into action. When the thyroid is nudged by TSH, it produces thyroid hormonea large proportion of which is thyroxine and a smaller proportion triiodothyronine . The T4 is eventually converted into T3, the “active” form that is taken up by receptors in body cells.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Thyroid Problems
Symptoms of thyroid problems aren’t always obvious. In fact, the ATA estimates that up to six in 10 people with thyroid problems do not know they have them. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause feelings most people have from time to time, such as mood swings or tiredness, so how can you tell the difference between an everyday symptom and something that needs treatment? Check in with your body often, and if any of the following signs persist, talk to your physician.
Can I Live A Normal Life With A Thyroid Disease
A thyroid disease is often a life-long medical condition that you will need to manage constantly. This often involves a daily medication. Your healthcare provider will monitor your treatments and make adjustments over time. However, you can usually live a normal life with a thyroid disease. It may take some time to find the right treatment option for you and manage your hormone levels, but then people with these types of conditions can usually live life without many restrictions.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/19/2020.
References
- Merck Manual Consumer Version. Overview of the Thyroid Gland. Accessed 11/18/2021.
- US Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Womens Health. Thyroid disease. Accessed 11/18/2021.
- American Thyroid Association. What you need to know about the thyroid. Accessed 11/18/2021.
- US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hyperthyroidism . Accessed 11/18/2021.
- American Thyroid Association. General Information/Press Room. Accessed 11/18/2021.
- US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hypothyroidism . Accessed 11/18/2021.
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Cervical And Thoracic Computed Tomography
This test is carried out to determine the limits of the thyroid in goiters or when a poor position of the gland is suspected, which is sometimes located behind the sternum. This test will also help us to know if there is thyroid growth. The procedure is simple, takes very little time, uses radiation, and does not cause claustrophobia.
How Is Thyroid Cancer Treated
The main treatment for thyroid cancer is surgery to take out the whole thyroid gland or as much of it as can be safely removed. Surgery alone can cure thyroid cancer if the cancer is small and has not yet spread to lymph nodes.
Your doctor may also use radioiodine therapy after surgery. Radioiodine therapy destroys any thyroid cancer cells that were not removed during surgery or that have spread to other parts of the body.
Your doctor may also talk with you about other treatments for thyroid cancer. Learn more about thyroid cancer treatments at the National Cancer Institute.
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How Is Hyperthyroidism Treated
Your doctor’s choice of treatment will depend on your symptoms and the cause of your hyperthyroidism. Treatments include:
- Antithyroid medicines block your thyroid from making new thyroid hormone. These drugs do not cause lasting damage to the thyroid.
- Beta-blockers block the effects of thyroid hormone on your body. These medicines can be helpful in slowing your heart rate and treating other symptoms until one of the other forms of treatment can take effect. Beta-blockers do not reduce the amount of thyroid hormones that are made.
Key Points About Hypothyroidism
- Hypothyroidism means your thyroid gland is underactive. It isnt making enough thyroid hormone. The most common cause is when your immune system starts to attack itself. It makes antibodies against the thyroid gland.
- Symptoms include dull facial expressions, tiredness, and weight gain.
- Blood tests can help diagnose this condition. They can measure the amount of thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormones in your blood.
- The goal of treatment is to return your levels of thyroid hormone back to normal.
- Untreated hypothyroidism may lead to anemia, low body temperature, and heart failure.
- Treatment may include medicine that replaces lost thyroid hormones. You usually will need to take thyroid hormones for the rest of your life.
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Diagnosis Of An Underactive Thyroid Function Is Made Based On A Combination Of Thyroid Blood Test Results Symptoms And Several Other Factors
is evaluated and diagnosed by a physician, usually an endocrinologist or your primary care doctor. Symptoms, signs, andmore criticallyblood tests are taken into consideration when evaluating the possibility of an underactive , all of which help identify the cause and severity of the disease.
A diagnosis is reached after a thorough review of the patients personal medical and family histories, any risk factors, findings on physical examination, and the results of . There are several types of hormones checked in a blood test to assess your thyroid statusthe most definitive one is the . Often, physicians may decide to check the free , or T4, free T4 index, or total T4 to aid in the diagnosis.
Why Is Hypothyroidism So Under Diagnosed In The Usa
Many symptoms of thyroid imbalance are vague and most doctors spend only a few minutes talking with patients to sort out the cause of their complaint.
Most conventional doctors use only one or two tests to screen for problems. They are not checking FT3, RT3 or thyroid antibodies.
Most conventional doctors use the normal lab reference range as their guide only. Rather than listening to their patients symptoms, they use optimal lab values and temperature as their guide.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan
MRI scans use magnets instead of radiation to create detailed cross-sectional images of your body. MRI can be used to look for cancer in the thyroid, or cancer that has spread to nearby or distant parts of the body. But ultrasound is usually the first choice for looking at the thyroid. MRI can provide very detailed images of soft tissues such as the thyroid gland. MRI scans are also very helpful in looking at the brain and spinal cord.
Common Signs And Symptoms Of A Thyroid Problem
Your thyroid is the size of a butterfly-shaped lemon, but even though it’s small, it’s mighty. The thyroid gland makes hormones that support many bodily functions, such as breathing, pumping blood and burning calories. Most of the time, the thyroid does what it’s supposed to do, but sometimes a problem can cause it to produce too little or too much hormone. Depending on the underlying issue, this can lead to a range of symptoms, like fatigue, anxiety and weight changes.
If you’re wondering how to know whether you have a thyroid problem, it’s important to note that only a healthcare provider can give you an actual diagnosis, which will require tests and a clinical exam. However, your body will likely send you a few clues. Here are 21 common signs and symptoms of a thyroid problem to watch out for.
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Early Warning Signs Of Thyroid Issues
Thyroid issues can be difficult to diagnose on their own. This is due to the fact that they can be mistaken for other health issues such as menopause or cognitive problems. On the other hand, there are early warning signs of thyroid issues that you should be aware of.
7 early warning signs of thyroid issues include:
- Sensitivity to heat
- Sensitivity to cold
While these symptoms may point to a problem with your thyroid, only a medical professional will be able to confirm it beyond a shadow of a doubt. Our team of board certified physicians are here to help diagnose your thyroid disease and develop a treatment plan that will help restore your health.
What Does The Thyroid Do
Your thyroid is the metabolic center of your body. This means it controls your body temperature, heart rate, and how fast you use calories from your food for energy. The thyroid produces hormones that then travel throughout the different parts and areas of your body to better support its functioning.
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Can Pregnancy Cause Me To Develop Thyroid Issues
You may develop an illness called postpartum thyroiditis after you give birth. During the next 12 months, you might experience weight loss, develop an increased sensitivity to heat, and suffer from other health issues. The symptoms of postpartum thyroiditis may resemble the health issues that are associated with hyperthyroidism.
Unfortunately, some healthcare providers may misdiagnose this problem. For example, your healthcare provider might believe that a postpartum mood disorder is causing you to experience these negative symptoms. If you receive a misdiagnosis and do not treat your postpartum thyroiditis, you might develop other health issues. If you are experiencing symptoms of this illness, you should visit our office in Louisville for thyroid testing.
What Is The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that is normally located in the lower front of the neck. The thyroids job is to make thyroid hormones, which are secreted into the blood and then carried to every tissue in the body. Thyroid hormones help the body use energy, stay warm and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working as they should.
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How Is Thyroid Disease Treated
Your healthcare providers goal is to return your thyroid hormone levels to normal. This can be done in a variety of ways and each specific treatment will depend on the cause of your thyroid condition.
If you have high levels of thyroid hormones , treatment options can include:
- Anti-thyroid drugs : These are medications that stop your thyroid from making hormones.
- Radioactive iodine: This treatment damages the cells of your thyroid, preventing it from making high levels of thyroid hormones.
- Beta blockers: These medications dont change the amount of hormones in your body, but they help manage your symptoms.
- Surgery: A more permanent form of treatment, your healthcare provider may surgically remove your thyroid . This will stop it from creating hormones. However, you will need to take thyroid replacement hormones for the rest of your life.
If you have low levels of thyroid hormones , the main treatment option is:
- Thyroid replacement medication: This drug is a synthetic way to add thyroid hormones back into your body. One drug thats commonly used is called levothyroxine. By using a medication, you can manage thyroid disease and live a normal life.
Can You Have Thyroid Eye Disease With Hypothyroidism
Thyroid eye disease is associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism.
After a diagnosis of Graves disease, it can take time to manage thyroid hormone levels. Sometimes, treatment for Graves disease causes thyroid levels to drop too low.
Thyroid eye disease can develop when thyroid levels are high, in the target range, or low. Close monitoring of thyroid levels is important as part of managing Graves disease.
Graves disease and TED are part of the same condition, but they follow their own courses. In some cases, thyroid eye disease may occur before a diagnosis of Graves disease.
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Getting A Diagnosis And Treatment
Together with a physical exam and medical history, diagnostic tests are necessary to determine if you have a thyroid problem.
Your doctor may order blood tests to detect the levels of the hormones TSH, T4 and T3 in your blood, which can indicate hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. You may also need to take a thyroid antibody blood test, which can help diagnose underlying autoimmune diseases that can cause hormonal imbalances.
Some people may also need an ultrasound. This scan uses sound waves to take pictures of the thyroid gland and can identify thyroid nodules that may be affecting thyroid function.
If you are diagnosed with a thyroid problem, know that there are treatments available. Many people take medications to balance their hormones, while some may need thyroid surgery or radioiodine therapy. Being proactive is critical to your thyroid health, so share your concerns, ask questions and partner with your care team to find a treatment plan that works for you.
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What Is A Goiter
Goiter is a condition where your thyroid gland grows larger. Your entire thyroid can grow larger or it can develop one or more small lumps called thyroid nodules.
Your thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in your neck, below your Adam’s apple. It produces the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine . These hormones play a role in certain bodily functions, including:
Goiter may be associated with an irregular amount of thyroid hormone in your body or with normal levels of thyroid hormone .
Goiter has several possible causes. Depending on the cause, it may or may not require treatment.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Thyroiditis
The symptoms of thyroiditis depend on the type of thyroiditis and its phase. Most types of thyroiditis cause thyrotoxicosis symptoms followed by hypothyroid symptoms.
Subacute thyroiditis and acute infectious thyroiditis usually also cause pain in your thyroid area. Some people with thyroiditis have an enlarged thyroid gland .
Symptoms of thyrotoxicosis
The thyrotoxic phase of thyroiditis is usually short, lasting one to three months. If your thyroid cells are damaged quickly and theres a leak of excess thyroid hormone, you might experience symptoms of hyperthyroidism , which include:
| Fibrosis of your thyroid. |
Common Problems: Hypothyroidism And Hyperthyroidism
More than one in 10 people will develop a thyroid problem in their lifetime, estimates the American Thyroid Association . Many of these problems can lead to either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
The more common of the two, hypothyroidism, happens when the thyroid makes too little hormone. This underproduction can slow down body functions like digestion and metabolism, leading to symptoms such as tiredness, weight gain and constipation. Up to 3.7% of people in the United States have hypothyroidism.
When the thyroid makes too much hormone, it’s known as hyperthyroidism. This overproduction can speed up your body’s functions, leading to symptoms like restlessness, weight loss and diarrhea. Just 0.8% of people in the United States have hyperthyroidism.
Though the two conditions can cause opposite symptoms, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism share something in common: They are each the result of an underlying problem, usually an autoimmune disorder. For example, the autoimmune condition Hashimoto’s disease can cause hypothyroidism, while Grave’s disease can lead to hyperthyroidism. If you have a thyroid problem, your healthcare provider will be able to help you determine the underlying cause.
Other causes include too much iodine or thyroid nodules and prior thyroid treatments . Thyroiditis, which is when the thyroid becomes inflamed, can also cause hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
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