Your thyroid is the driving force behind your metabolism, the process by which your body converts food into energy. Thyroid issues can cause changes that disrupt daily routines.
Dr. Saka Kazeem and the team at Elk Medical in New York City are a trusted resource in addressing endocrine-related issues, including thyroid disorders. Today, we discuss two common thyroid issues: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Your thyroid is a small gland at the front of your neck. It sits in front and along the sides of your trachea (windpipe), just below your Adam’s apple. The thyroid is shaped somewhat like a butterfly, with two lobes connected by a central area of tissue.
The thyroid produces numerous hormones. One, appropriately named thyroid hormone, performs many bodily functions. It helps regulate your temperature and heart rate, and prompts growth.
Thyroid hormone also directs your metabolism by interacting with every type of cell in your body, increasing cellular activity.
The amount of thyroid hormone your body produces is significant. Too much or too little can cause problems.
When your thyroid doesn’t create enough thyroid hormone, hypothyroidism can develop. This condition is also known as an underactive thyroid.
In the early stages, you might not notice the symptoms of hypothyroidism. As the problem progresses, however, you may begin to experience:
Left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to infertility, heart problems, goiters, or peripheral neuropathy. Treatment typically involves medication to increase thyroid hormone production.
When your thyroid creates a higher-than-normal volume of thyroid hormone, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can develop.
Like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism isn’t always easy to detect, especially in the early stages. Some of its symptoms are common to many other health conditions. These include:
Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to problems such as congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, vision problems, and brittle bones. Medication can help manage hyperthyroidism. Another option is surgery to remove part of the thyroid to reduce thyroid hormone output.
If talk of thyroid dysfunction has you asking how well your thyroid works, testing for thyroid issues is a simple and straightforward process. A blood test can reveal whether your thyroid output falls within the normal range.
Because the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction are shared with many other health problems, many primary care practitioners include thyroid testing as part of routine blood work. Of course, you can also request a specific thyroid panel if you’re concerned.
If Dr. Kazeem finds evidence that you have hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or another thyroid condition, we can explore treatment options together. We’re here to help, no matter what type of thyroid issue you may have.
Call us at Elk Medical’s office in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood, or schedule your appointment online today.
