Our Beginner’s Guide to Thyroid Conditions

If you have been feeling off for a while, it is important to get checked for thyroid conditions. Thyroid conditions are more common than people think and can cause a wide variety of symptoms. In this beginner’s guide, we will discuss the most common thyroid conditions, their symptoms, and how to best treat them.

Thyroid Conditions

There are many different types of thyroid conditions, but the most common is Hashimoto’s disease and Graves’ disease.

  • Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to become inflamed and eventually to stop functioning properly. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, and hair loss.
  • Graves’ disease is another autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland, but in this case, the body produces too much thyroid hormone instead of attacking it. This can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, weight loss, and sweating.
  • Thyroid cancer is relatively rare, but it can occur in any of the three main types of thyroid cells. The most common type is papillary thyroid cancer, which accounts for around 80% of all cases. Follicular thyroid cancer makes up around 15% of cases, and medullary thyroid cancer is the rarest at just under five percent.
  • Hypothyroidism is the term used when the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, and hair loss.

Treatment

The goal of the treatment is to find out what works best for each patient, and it may include medication or surgery. The doctor will likely need time in order to get an idea of how well this helped you before deciding whether anything else should be done at all!

Thyroid surgery (thyroidectomy)

The thyroid gland is a small organ in the neck that produces certain hormones necessary for metabolism. The surgeon will remove all or part of this important structure to treat cancerous cells,  an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or other conditions. The most common type of thyroid cancer is called papillary carcinoma, and it represents around 80% of all cases.

Your doctor will likely recommend surgery if you have:

  • A goiter that is causing difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Thyroid cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic disease)
  • A large benign tumor (adenoma) that is causing symptoms such as neck pain or pressure on the trachea (windpipe)

Antithyroid medications

Drugs are often the first resort for people with hyperthyroidism. They can be used to slow down the production of thyroid hormone, which in turn relieves symptoms and stabilizes metabolism. The most common drugs used to treat hyperthyroidism are called beta blockers. These work by blocking the effects of thyroid hormone on your body, which can help to reduce symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, and rapid heartbeat. 

Other common medications used to treat hyperthyroidism include propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (Tapazole). PTU works by interfering with the production of thyroid hormone, while methimazole blocks the action of thyroid hormone once it’s been produced.

Radioactive iodine

Iodine is a trace element that can be used with radioactivity in low doses to test one’s thyroid gland. Large amounts of this mineral, however, will destroy cancerous cells because it has an extremely powerful anti-tumor effect!

External radiation

External radiation therapy is another form of cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or particles to kill cancer cells. This type of therapy is usually given as part of curative intent, meaning it’s given with the goal of curing cancer. External radiation therapy can be used to treat many different types of cancer, including thyroid cancer.

External radiation therapy for thyroid cancer is typically given in five daily treatments over a period of five to seven weeks. The length of treatment depends on the type and stage of your cancer, as well as your overall health. During external radiation therapy, you’ll be treated by a team of specialists who will work together to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a thyroid condition involves several key steps. It is important for your health care team to conduct research on the symptoms you are experiencing so they can identify what type or region in order to make an accurate conclusion about it and give appropriate treatment accordingly; this includes blood tests, imaging studies (such as x-rays), endoscopy procedures with instruments that allow doctors see inside organs up close, and biopsies of abnormal areas.

Your health care team will also ask about your family history, as some thyroid conditions are hereditary. Be sure to give them a complete picture of your medical background so they can make the best possible diagnosis.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve listed, please don’t hesitate to call us. We can help diagnose and treat your thyroid condition so you can feel better fast. With early diagnosis and treatment, many people with thyroid conditions are able to manage their symptoms and live healthy lives. Don’t suffer in silence – call us today!

Do You Need a Functional Medical Clinic You Can Trust?

As you know Functional Medicine asks how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual. Our goal for all of our patients at Hope for Healing is to optimize whole health, wellness, immunity, and longevity and find and fix the root problems permanently. All of our licensed medical providers have been trained by the Institute for Functional Medicine (ifm.org) and work collaboratively as part of the provider team under the leadership and direction of Paula Kruppstadt MD DABP FAAP IFMCP. We are trained to listen to our patients and take the time to do an appropriate root-cause analysis to find and implement permanent solutions together. If this sounds like we’d be the right fit for you, contact us today at (281) 725-6767!

Disclaimer

The materials available on this website are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not to provide health advice. You should contact your physician to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any content included in this site without seeking medical, legal or other professional advice. The information presented on this website may not reflect the most current medical developments. No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained on this website and we disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law.

10 Fast Facts About Hyperthyroidism in 2023

Did you know that hyperthyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders in the world? In this blog post, we will discuss 10 fast facts about hyperthyroidism in 2023. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Hyperthyroidism is a serious medical condition

The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate body functions. It produces too much when hyperthyroidism occurs, which speeds up many of your system’s processes including heart rate and metabolism. The condition affects about 1% population in America alone, and women are five to eight times more likely than men to develop it.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be difficult to notice because they mimic other conditions and illnesses. These symptoms include anxiety, nervousness, irritability, weight loss, increased appetite, sweating.

2. Your thyroid gland makes two hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine

Your thyroid gland makes two hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine. T3 is made from your more active hormone – let’s call it “thyroidal doodle.” It directly affects tissues in different parts of the body including skin dryness or moods; it also impacts metabolism which controls how fast you burn calories when at rest through various processes like turning food into energy that can be used for movement during exercise as well as healing wounds by providing nutrients needed not just now but later down life path regardless if they’re physical injuries sustained while playing sports or psychological ones from traumas.

3. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where your body produces too much thyroid hormone

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where your body produces too much thyroid hormone. This can be caused by an adenoma (non-cancerous) in the pituitary gland, which secretes too much TSH into circulation and triggers hyperthyroid symptoms like feeling constantly tired or having difficulty concentrating.

In rare cases, this serious medical issue goes unnoticed due to its subtlety. However, most people with advanced tumors have other signs before they become urgently seek treatment such as weight loss without deliberate intention, bulging eyes, or changes in their menstrual cycles.

4. People with Graves’ disease have an immune system that makes a TSI

Graves’ disease is an auto-immune condition that causes the immune system to produce thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI). The TSI mimics the action of Thyroid Hormone or thyroxine, which stimulates too much production by our body’s protein in order for us to have a healthy amount.

5. Thyroid nodules are small lumps in your thyroid gland

Thyroid nodules are small lumps in your thyroid gland. They’re common and usually noncancerous, though some may become overactive to produce too much hormone by mistake!

6. Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid that causes the stored hormones to leak out

Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid that causes the stored hormones to leak out and raise your blood levels. It starts off as hyperthyroidism, where you have a lot more than the normal amount for 1 or 2 months until it progresses into hypothyroidism when there’s not enough available in our bodies – this can happen at any time!

7. Goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid that can cause the neck to look swollen and interfere with normal breathing

The swelling in the neck can interfere with normal breathing and swallowing. The goiter, is an enlarged thyroid that may cause you to have a swollen appearance of your face or even make it difficult for food to chew and then swallow. 

8. Women are at a higher risk for developing hyperthyroidism than men

Women are at a higher risk for developing hyperthyroidism than men, and certain factors can increase the chances. These include: 

  • Having more family members with thyroid disease
  • Eating large amounts of additional protein foods while not balancing calories properly
  • Smoking cigarettes
  • Exposure to high levels of radiation

9. Hyperthyroidism is a disorder that occurs more often in older adults

Hyperthyroidism is a disorder that often affects older adults. It’s caused by thyroids, which are more common in people over 60 years of age because they don’t display the typical symptoms as other thyroid disorders do. For this reason, it can be misdiagnosed as depression or dementia.

10. Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs during pregnancy and can have serious consequences for the mother as well baby

Graves’ disease, usually caused by an overactive thyroid gland (goiter), leads to one in every 500 pregnancies – affecting both mommy-to be’s health along with her prenatal outcomes such quires miscarriage risk or delivery date which could lead up being preterm babies who are more likely than others premature birth due low birth weight among other things.

That’s all for now on hyperthyroidism. As you can see, it’s a serious condition that requires treatment. If you think you may be experiencing some of the symptoms, please give us a call today. We would be happy to answer any questions and help you get started on the road to feeling better. Thanks for reading!

Do You Need a Functional Medical Clinic You Can Trust?

As you know Functional Medicine asks how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual. Our goal for all of our patients at Hope for Healing is to optimize whole health, wellness, immunity, and longevity and find and fix the root problems permanently. All of our licensed medical providers have been trained by the Institute for Functional Medicine (ifm.org) and work collaboratively as part of the provider team under the leadership and direction of Paula Kruppstadt MD DABP FAAP IFMCP. We are trained to listen to our patients and take the time to do an appropriate root-cause analysis to find and implement permanent solutions together. If this sounds like we’d be the right fit for you, contact us today at (281) 725-6767!

Disclaimer

The materials available on this website are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not to provide health advice. You should contact your physician to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any content included in this site without seeking medical, legal or other professional advice. The information presented on this website may not reflect the most current medical developments. No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained on this website and we disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law.

How Much Do You Really Know About Thyroid Conditions?

Did you know that the thyroid is one of the most important glands in the body? It plays a role in many different functions, including metabolism and energy levels. When something goes wrong with the thyroid, it can cause a variety of symptoms. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common thyroid conditions. We will also talk about how to recognize the symptoms and get treatment if necessary.

The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a small organ that’s located in the front of your neck, wrapped around the windpipe (trachea). It’s shaped like a butterfly with two wide wings which extend out from either side and a smaller middle section where they form into points before connecting together at their tips. This area supports nearly all healthy functions for example metabolism regulation; energy production & release; protein synthesis among many others!

What does it do?

Your thyroid controls how much energy is used throughout your entire body by coordinating the metabolism of food with a few specific hormones – T4 (thyroxine) and T3. These two important chemicals tell cells precisely when they should use their own raw materials for fuel, thus regulating everything from heart rate to brain function.

There are different thyroid conditions that can affect the way your thyroid works. These conditions can be either benign or malignant, and they can occur in both children and adults.

The most common Thyroid Conditions are:

  • Thyroiditis
  • Thyroid Nodules
  • Thyroid Cancer 
  • Graves’ Disease

Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is a group of disorders that cause inflammation of your thyroid gland. The hormone made by this small organ controls many aspects of how your body functions, including metabolism and energy production.  Thyroiditis can be either temporary or permanent, and it can cause your thyroid gland to become overactive or underactive.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is the most common type of thyroiditis, and it’s also the leading cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. It occurs when your immune system attacks your thyroid gland, causing inflammation. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is a chronic condition, which means it can last for years and may lead to an enlarged thyroid (goiter) as well as other complications.

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are lumps that form within your thyroid gland and are usually benign. However, they can occasionally be cancerous. Thyroid nodules are relatively common, and women are more likely to develop them than men. If you have a thyroid nodule, you may not experience any symptoms. However, some people with thyroid nodules may experience neck pain or difficulty swallowing. If you have any concerns about your thyroid nodule, please consult with a doctor.

Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is the growth of cells that starts in the thyroid. The affected person’s voice may change, and they might have trouble swallowing or speaking clearly because there was too much pressure on their vocal cords from all those extra hormones trying to get out through an enlarged glandular structure called “the tonsils.”

Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism and it occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This causes the gland to produce too much Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which leads to an overproduction of Thyroid hormone. The resulting high levels of Thyroid hormone can cause a number of symptoms, including weight loss, anxiety, irritability, tremors, heat intolerance, sweating, and changes in heart rate. Graves’ disease can also cause bulging eyes (known as exophthalmos), which can lead to vision problems.

If you think you may have Graves’ disease, it’s important to see your doctor for a diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to managing the condition and preventing complications.

Treatment

Thyroid conditions can be benign or malignant, and they can occur in both children and adults. If you think you may have a thyroid condition, it’s important to see your doctor for a diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to managing the condition and preventing complications. There are a variety of treatment options available for thyroid conditions, including medication, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery. The best course of treatment will depend on a number of factors, including the type and severity of your condition.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of a thyroid condition, it’s important to see your doctor and get diagnosed. Once you know what type of thyroid condition you have, there are a variety of treatment options available including medication, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery. Treatment for thyroid conditions can vary depending on the individual case, so it’s important to work with your doctor to find the best option for you. Don’t wait – call us today to schedule an appointment!

Do You Need a Functional Medical Clinic You Can Trust?

As you know Functional Medicine asks how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual. Our goal for all of our patients at Hope for Healing is to optimize whole health, wellness, immunity, and longevity and find and fix the root problems permanently. All of our licensed medical providers have been trained by the Institute for Functional Medicine (ifm.org) and work collaboratively as part of the provider team under the leadership and direction of Paula Kruppstadt MD DABP FAAP IFMCP. We are trained to listen to our patients and take the time to do an appropriate root-cause analysis to find and implement permanent solutions together. If this sounds like we’d be the right fit for you, contact us today at (281) 725-6767!

Disclaimer

The materials available on this website are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not to provide health advice. You should contact your physician to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any content included in this site without seeking medical, legal or other professional advice. The information presented on this website may not reflect the most current medical developments. No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained on this website and we disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law.