An introduction to hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism

January is Thyroid Consciousness Month so we spoke with Dr. Scott McCusker, Ear, Nostril and Throat specialist with Dignity Well being Mercy Medical Group to find out about widespread thyroid ailments like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. 

What are thyroid ailments?

“The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland within the entrance of your neck that makes thyroid hormones, that are our essential regulator of metabolism,” says Dr. McCusker. “Thyroid hormones management the best way your physique makes use of power, so that they have an effect on practically each organ in your physique. The 2 most typical thyroid ailments are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.”

Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid isn’t making sufficient thyroid hormones, or underneath exercise, whereas hyperthyroidism is the place your thyroid is making an excessive amount of thyroid hormone, or over exercise. 

Practically 5 out of 100 People ages 12 and older have hypothyroidism, and about 1 out of 100 People ages 12 years and older have hyperthyroidism. Girls and folks over the age of 60 usually tend to develop a thyroid illness. 

What are widespread thyroid illness signs?

“We would like the thyroid to secrete sufficient hormones to maintain our metabolism regular. We don’t need it to create too little or an excessive amount of,” says Dr. McCusker. “Nevertheless, lots of its signs are the identical as these of different ailments, so make sure you focus on your considerations along with your physician or an endocrinologist.” 

Frequent Signs

Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

Tiredness
Sensitivity to chilly
Unintentional weight acquire
Muscle weak spot
Constipation
Sluggish coronary heart charge
Decreased urge for food
Low physique temperature
Reminiscence impairment
Despair
Dry pores and skin, thinning hair

Racing coronary heart, nervousness, nervousness and irritability
Sensitivity to warmth
Unintentional weight reduction
Muscle weak spot
Extra frequent bowel motion
Tremors
Elevated urge for food
Excessive physique temperature
Temper swings

How are thyroid ailments recognized?“A thyroid prognosis can’t be given primarily based on signs alone, says Dr. McCusker. “Your physician might use a number of exams to substantiate the prognosis and discover its trigger together with a bodily examination, blood work, and imaging exams.”

How are thyroid ailments handled?“Whereas most thyroid ailments are persistent, or a lifelong medical situation, most sufferers can enhance their high quality of life with correct remedy,” says Dr. McCusker.

As thyroid illness varies from individual to individual, the strategy to remedy additionally varies. 

With hypothyroidism, sometimes, treatment is used to exchange the hormones that your thyroid can now not make. Your physician will monitor your blood and alter as wanted till the correct dose has been decided. When you begin taking treatment, it’s probably that you will want to proceed taking treatment for all times. 

With hyperthyroidism, there isn’t any single remedy that works for everybody, as remedy will rely on what’s inflicting your hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is usually handled with medication or surgical procedure to take away half, or most of, the thyroid gland. Like hypothyroidism, when you begin taking treatment, it’s probably that you will want to proceed taking treatment for all times.

Key TakeawayThyroid illness signs can negatively influence your high quality of life, however with the best remedy and plan of care, folks can reside a standard life.

For those who suspect you will have a thyroid illness, schedule an appointment along with your main care doctor. Our “Discover a Physician” software may also help you discover a Dignity Well being doctor close to you.