Is your thyroid functioning well?
Over 60% of all Thyroid disease goes undiagnosed during normal testing.
Thyroid disease can affect the function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. Through the hormones it produces, the thyroid gland influences almost all metabolic processes in your body. Thyroid hormones are important in regulating body energy, body temperature, the body’s use of other hormones and vitamins, and the growth and maturation of body tissues.
Women are at risk to thyroid disease.
According to different research, women have thyroid problems 3-10 times more than men. This also applies to toxic goiter and insufficiency of thyroid hormones. As women are more susceptible to different hormonal leaps, their body is very sensitive to any hormonal changes and react to them sharper than the “calm” male body.
What causes thyroid disease?
Diseases of the thyroid gland can result from the production of too much or too little thyroid hormones, thyroid nodes or goiters.
The production of too much thyroid hormone results in a condition called hyperthyroidism. Overproduction of these hormones can speed up your metabolism and can cause unpleasant symptoms.
In contrast, hypothyroidism is a result of underproduction of the thyroid hormone. Since your body’s energy production requires certain amounts of thyroid hormones, a drop in hormone production leads to lower energy levels.
Hypothyroidism is significantly dangerous for newborns and infants.
A lack of thyroid hormones in the system at an early age can lead to the development of cretinism (mental retardation) and dwarfism (stunted growth).
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause the thyroid gland to enlarge, causing a goiter. Much more rarely, the problem may arise when the pituitary gland stimulates thyroid growth to boost production of the hormone. Enlargement could also occur with normal production of thyroid hormone, such as a non-toxic, multi-nodular gland.
Another type, called toxic nodular goiter, results when one or more nodules, or adenomas, develop in the thyroid and trigger excess production of thyroid hormone.
Why should you seek medical help?
The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism typically develop slowly over a period of weeks to months. If an individual has prolonged symptoms or signs of either condition, you need to be evaluated.
Untreated or inadequate treatment of hyperthyroidism can lead to severe hyperthyroidism, also known as thyrotoxic crisis. It can be life-threaten because of its effects on the heart and the brain.
Untreated hypothyroidism may have severe effects on the brain, can cause intestinal obstruction, and the inability of the heart to beat effectively.
Goiters and nodules are often not painful or bothersome. However, when the nodule or goiter becomes large, there can be pressure on the surrounding normal structures in the neck including the esophagus, trachea, and the blood vessels that bring blood to and from the head.
Watch out for cancerous growths in the thyroid gland.
Seek immediate medical help if you have these signs and symptoms associated with thyroid problems:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing
- Sudden enlargement of the thyroid gland
- Extreme pain in the thyroid gland
- Abdominal pain
- Extreme irritability
Do not neglect thyroid disease. At Advanced Health and Wellness Center, our in-depth thyroid panels can uncover deficiencies not previously discovered, and we can create a treatment plan to get your hormones balanced, regulated and working properly.
Why live in agony?
Get treated and enjoy life as you should!