What is a thyroid?
Your thyroid is an all-important gland at the front of your neck. It gets its name from a Greek word that means shield, which is appropriate because of its physical shape, as well as its role in protecting your functional balance.
By releasing a hormone, your thyroid gland regulates your body’s ability to break down the food you eat and use it for energy, a process called metabolism.
Why are thyroid hormones important for your health?
Your thyroid and the hormones it produces impact so many of your body’s vital functions. Thyroid hormones help regulate digestive processes and weight, and the rate of growth for infants and children. They also help your body with reproductive functions, controlling body temperature, and controlling your muscles.
The best way to think about your thyroid is like a thermostat. If your bloodstream is running low on thyroid hormone, it works in symphony with your brain to release more.
What problems are associated with the thyroid?
Problems with your thyroid are typically due to irregular production of your thyroid hormone and fall into a couple of main categories:
Hypothyroidism
When your thyroid is underactive and produces too little hormone. Symptoms include:
- Sluggishness
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Depression
- Thinning hair
- Joint pain
- Constantly cold
Hyperthyroidism
When your thyroid is overactive and produces too much hormone. Symptoms include:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Heart palpitations
- Loose stools
- Hunger
- Anxiety
- Excessive sweating
- Constantly hot
Dr. Hall conducts extensive testing to determine the exact cause of your thyroid problem and what type it is so that he can provide a tailored treatment plan.
What is Hashimoto’s disease?
Dr. Hall encourages all of his patients with low thyroid to test for Hashimoto’s disease, which is an autoimmune condition that causes your body to malfunction and attack your thyroid. The resulting chronic thyroid damage produces the following symptoms:
- Goiter at the base of your neck
- Muscle weakness
- Enlarged tongue
- Joint pain
- Muscle aches
- Chronic fatigue
- Irritability
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Brittle nails
Dr. Hall sends a sample of your urine to the lab to test for Hashimoto’s disease and glyphosate exposure.
How is Hashimoto’s disease treated?
In most cases, the best action is thyroid replacement therapy to optimize your thyroid hormone levels. You should feel much better within a couple of weeks. Dr. Hall monitors your progress closely and adjusts your hormone intake when necessary.
To learn more about your thyroid and replacement therapy, call the office, or book online.
