What is the thyroid?
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, just below your laryngeal prominence. It’s a key component of your endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating your metabolism and other important bodily functions.
If your thyroid gland produces too many or too few hormones, you will develop a thyroid disorder. Left unmanaged, thyroid disorders can increase your risk of more serious health problems.
What are some common thyroid disorders?
There are several thyroid disorders. Among the most common are hypothyroidism, which means your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, and hyperthyroidism, which means your thyroid produces too many hormones.
Another is Hashimoto’s disease, a condition that causes your body’s immune system to slowly attack your thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules are growths that form on your thyroid gland as a result of iodine deficiency or Hashimoto’s disease.
At Encino Park Family Health & Wellness Clinic the team has years of experience diagnosing and treating all of these common thyroid disorders.
What are the symptoms of thyroid disorders?
The symptoms of thyroid disorders vary from person to person and depend on the underlying cause. However, telltale signs of a thyroid disorder include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Memory problems
- Muscle weakness
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight loss
As your thyroid disorder gets worse, you could also experience thinning hair, brittle nails, and/or depression.
How are thyroid disorders diagnosed?
To diagnose a thyroid disorder, your Encino Park Family Health & Wellness Clinic provider does a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your symptoms. They also order a series of blood tests that measure the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood.
Your doctor might also recommend an iodine uptake test, which tracks the amount of iodine your thyroid gland absorbs.
Is there any way to prevent a thyroid disorder?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent a thyroid disorder entirely. However, you can significantly lower your risk by living a healthy lifestyle. Experts recommend eating a balanced, nutritious diet, exercising regularly, managing your stress levels, and getting plenty of sleep.
If you’re concerned about your risk of developing a thyroid disorder, make an appointment at Encino Park Family Health & Wellness Clinic today. Call the office or click the online booking tool.
