The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck that produces hormones to regulate metabolism. A thyroid disorder occurs when the thyroid produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or not enough hormone (hypothyroidism).
Some key facts about thyroid disorders:
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Thyroid disorders can result from various causes, including:
Other risk factors include family history, age over 50, radiation exposure, other autoimmune disorders, and deficiency of iodine or selenium.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism vs Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism can cause symptoms like:
Hypothyroidism tends to cause different symptoms such as:
As you can see, recognizing whether a person has an overactive or underactive thyroid makes a big difference in managing symptoms appropriately.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If a thyroid disorder is suspected based on symptoms, doctors can use blood tests to measure levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) as well as TSH to determine if the thyroid is not functioning properly. They may also use imaging or biopsy for lumps or nodules.
Treatment depends on the specific condition:
With proper management, most people with thyroid problems can get relief from symptoms and avoid long-term complications. Some thyroid conditions may eventually burn out while others require consistent treatment.
I hope this overview gives some insight into what thyroid disorders involve. For more information, please consult with the professionals at Revive Hormones.