Thyroid

Millions of people experience trouble with their thyroid due to an imbalance in the gland’s hormone levels. The thyroid, in conjunction with the pituitary gland, controls aspects of your metabolism, digestion and energy levels. A properly functioning thyroid is critical to maintaining overall health, and especially weight in some people

If you thyroid is not functioning correctly, the two most common problems are either hypo- or hyperthyroidism. As you might detect from the names, the two main malfunctions of the thyroid are because it is either hyperactive or hypoactive. A hyperactive or overactive thyroid has elevated levels of a thyroid stimulating hormone. The over stimulation of the thyroid makes it enlarged and has various effects on people. Some may experience restlessness, unexplained weight loss, trouble sleeping and irritability. The thyroid also plays a role in your body’s energy level, so a hyperactive thyroid can make you feel like you feel restless with unexplained elevated energy levels. On the other hand, if you thyroid is not producing enough of its integral hormone, you may feel lousy and tired and want to sleep all the time. Most people with hypothyroidism tend to gain weight and have little energy. Some may experience a frustrating fluctuation between the two extremes.

The key to having a healthy thyroid is to maintain the right levels. For most people, this is natural and they don’t need to address the issue with a doctor. However, for some, the gland’s hormone production may need an adjustment via hormone replacement or supplements, or surgery.

If you suspect you have a thyroid problem, the doctor will first perform a number of physical tests, review your medical history and ask you questions about your symptoms. The physician may also administer a number of tests to determine your thyroid levels and what the appropriate treatment will be for your situation.

To determine your thyroid levels, the doctor may perform a certain blood test called a radioactive iodine uptake test. Iodine is detected in the chemical make-up of the thyroid and is a good indicator for an overactive or underperforming thyroid. The blood test will show the levels and demonstrate whether your thyroid is overproducing hormones, leading to your symptoms.

In the radioactive iodine test, the patient is given an oral dose of radioactive iodine. At certain times over the next 24 hours, the doctor observes the level of iodine in the thyroid. Iodine is usually depleted over time in the thyroid as the gland produces a normal amount of its hormones. An elevated amount of iodine can indicated an overactive thyroid. In this case, you doctor may prescribe medication to reduce your thyroid’s hormone production to reduce the effects of the overactive thyroid. Treatments are typically well tolerated and patients are able to benefit from the effects of a thyroid performing at normal levels.

Conversely, medical and blood tests can be administered to determine if you thyroid is underperforming. In this case, your doctor may prescribe hormone supplements or hormone therapy to make up for your underperforming thyroid. People with slow thyroids often have calcium and phosphorus deficiencies. The thyroid also regulates the amount of these minerals in the blood. Both minerals are critical to overall good health and especially strong bones.

In some cases, thyroid levels can only be correctly through surgery. Some patients have part of their overactive thyroid removed. In this scenario, the remaining part of the thyroid resumes the job of the entire thyroid, but at a lesser pace that usually mimics normal thyroid levels. However, most of the time, an imbalance in thyroid levels can be corrected with the right treatment under a doctor’s care.