Your thyroid gland is located in the neck area, and it plays an important role in controlling the speed at which your body uses energy.
The thyroid also controls your sensitivity to various hormones, and is responsible for making proteins.
Your thyroid has a direct effect on your heart, so it’s vital that it functions effectively. The thyroid is responsible for the production of hormones T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine), and calcitonin. It’s these hormones that assist organs such as the liver, spleen and kidneys.
Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 are particularly critical to the healthy development of the fetus, and the brain is also a major target. In addition, the thyroid aids in the growth and development of children and plays a role in calcium levels in the blood.
There are two thyroid conditions that require attention:
- Hypothyroidism, which occurs when the gland is under active; and
- Hyperthyroidism, which is defined as an over-active thyroid gland.
Hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid)
- Quick pulse, even when resting
- Inability to sleep
- or becoming over emotional
- Heart palpitations
- Night sweats
- Shaking or trembling
- Weight loss
Hypothyroidism (under active thyroid)
- Lack of motivation
- Weight gain
- Lack of mental acuity
- Fatigue
- Cold feet and/or hands
- Depression
- Dry skin or scalp
- Change in bowel movements
- Headaches (mostly in the morning
Manage and Support the Thyroid
Traditional treatments such as beta blockers to reduce symptoms are used and anti thyroid drugs that block thyroid hormones are sometimes recommended.
In most cases, these drugs need to be taken frequently (such as one pill every eight hours) so some patients look for other treatments (surgery is used in difficult cases).
Hypothyroidism is often treated with hormone replacement therapy. In many cases, it takes a few weeks for drugs to become effective.
If you would like to have more information or to set up a consultation and see how we can help you (or someone you know) reduce the effects of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, give us a call at 561-752-4646 to schedule an appointment.
If you’d like to learn more about thyroid disorder, take some time to watch the video below of a Thyroid Workshop given by Dr. Zuckerman at Chronic Conditions Center.