Thyroid Problems

What is the thyroid?

Your thyroid is a bow-tie shaped endocrine gland located in your neck. Its primary function is to produce and secrete thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are collectively referred to as your thyroid hormones. 

Your thyroid hormones regulate many vital functions in your body, including:

• Metabolism
• Digestion
• Heartbeat
• Body temperature
• Mood

When your thyroid is in good health, and hormone levels are in balance, your body functions as it should. However, any changes in thyroid production can cause symptoms that may affect your quality of life.

What are thyroid problems?

There are many potential health issues that can affect thyroid health. The most common thyroid problems include:

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a thyroid problem in which your thyroid isn’t producing enough thyroid hormones. Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid is producing too many thyroid hormones. Like hypothyroidism, an autoimmune condition called Grave’s disease may lead to an overproduction of hormones. This thyroid problem can also develop if the gland is inflamed or has developed an adenoma, which is a benign tumor.

Thyroid cancer and goiters are also thyroid problems. 

What are the symptoms of thyroid problems?

Symptoms of thyroid problems depend on the type of thyroid problem you have. 

If you have hypothyroidism, you may experience:

• Difficulty losing weight
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Decreased heart rate
• Impaired memory

If you have hyperthyroidism, you may experience:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Rapid heartbeat
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Thin skin
• Brittle hair

With thyroid cancer and goiters, you may notice a lump or swelling in your neck and hoarseness in your voice.

What can I expect during care for my thyroid problem?

The team at Grace Family Medicine Direct Primary Care of Wellington provides comprehensive care when helping you manage a thyroid problem. During your initial evaluation, your provider spends a lot of time going over your symptoms and medical history and then conducts a physical exam. Based on the information gathered during your examination, they can order diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out a thyroid problem.

Once your provider identifies the thyroid problem, they provide custom care to help you manage your health and serve as your advocate and navigator for finding a specialist, if needed. Because of their direct primary care model, the team has the time to help coordinate all of your additional treatments, and your care doesn’t stop after your referral to another provider.

To get the answers you need to your health questions and concerns over thyroid problems, contact Grace Family Medicine Direct Primary Care of Wellington, by phone or online today.