What is my thyroid and what does it do?
Your thyroid is one of the glands that comprise your endocrine system. Located at the lower part of the front of your neck, your thyroid produces the hormones that regulate many of your critical body functions, including your:
- Metabolism
- Heart rate
- Breathing
- Cholesterol levels
- Body weight
- Muscle strength
- Body temperature
- Menstrual cycles
Your pituitary gland produces a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which helps your thyroid produce triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Your body needs a precise amount of these hormones. Too much or too little can cause disruptive symptoms and negatively impact your health.
Why would I need thyroid testing?
Thyroid disorders cause over or under activity. A hyperactive thyroid disorder like Grave’s disease causes symptoms that include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Restlessness and nervous energy
- Insomnia
- Increased hunger
- Increased sensitivity to warm temperatures
- Excessive sweating
- Infrequent, light periods
- Hair loss
- Anxiety and irritability
However, if your thyroid is hypoactive, you may have symptoms such as:
- Weight gain or trouble losing weight
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Dry skin and hair
- Sensitivity to cold
- Frequent heavy periods
- Joint and muscle pain
- Reduced concentration
- Depression
Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction vary in severity and can develop so slowly that you may not notice the change. Even just a small irregularity in your thyroid hormone levels can interfere with your health.
How is my thyroid tested?
The doctors at PURE Executive Health & Wellness use blood tests to measure your thyroid function. After a simple blood draw, a lab technician measures the TSH, T3, and T4 hormones in your blood. They may also perform additional screenings, including a thyroid scan, an ultrasound, or radioiodine uptake tests. The doctors also understand that every patient is unique and that if your results are within the normal range, but at the high or low end, your health and wellness may improve with treatment.
How are thyroid disorders treated?
The doctors at PURE Executive Health & Wellness offer customized treatments for thyroid disorders. For example, if you have an underactive thyroid, your doctor can prescribe synthetic thyroid hormones to replace the hormones your thyroid isn’t producing. They can also recommend diet and exercise changes, and other lifestyle modifications to improve your health.
If you have an overactive thyroid, your doctor can prescribe medications to regulate your hormone production and control some of your hyperactive thyroid symptoms. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend radioactive iodine treatments or surgery to kill or remove your thyroid. In these cases, you’ll need to take synthetic thyroid hormones to maintain regular body function.
If you’re concerned about your thyroid, call PURE Executive Health & Wellness today.
