January is National Thyroid Month and TRTA members need to be aware of the symptoms which differ between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Symptoms including fatigue, unexplained weight change, a racing heart and other signs may indicate a thyroid disorder. The thyroid is a gland found near the base of the neck. This gland secretes three hormones which influence the metabolic rate and protein synthesis.<\/p>\n
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) often have opposite effects.<\/p>\n
Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid produces fewer hormones than your body needs. Symptoms include: fatigue, weight gain, puffy face, always feeling cold, joint and muscle pain, constipation, dry skin or hair, depression, decreased sweating and brain fog.<\/p>\n
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your body produces more hormones than your body needs. Symptoms include: nervousness or irritability, fatigue and difficulty sleeping, muscle weakness, trouble tolerating heat, tremor usually in your hands, rapid and irregular heartbeat, frequent bowel movements or diarrhea and weight loss.<\/p>\n
There are other rare signs which could point to a thyroid disorder. These include low cholesterol, rashes and bulging eyes.<\/p>\n
To understand your thyroid condition, a healthcare provider may:<\/p>\n
Give you a physical exam including asking about your medical history and details about your symptoms.<\/p>\n
Give you a blood test to check your thyroid levels.<\/p>\n
Order imaging tests, such as a thyroid scan or ultrasound.<\/p>\n
Treatments for a thyroid disorder will differ depending on an underactive or overactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism may be treated with hormone replacement therapy. Hyperthyroidism may be treated with antithyroid medications and beta-blockers. Radioactive therapy may be used, and in rare cases, surgery.<\/p>\n
If you have symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Symptoms can improve with the appropriate medications.<\/p>\n
Source: Mary Shomon, \u201cThyroid Disease Symptoms\u201d, August 30, 2023. Reviewed by Do-Eun Lee, MD for Verywell Health, 2023 Dotdash Media Inc.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
January is National Thyroid Month and TRTA members need to be aware of the symptoms which differ between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Symptoms including fatigue, unexplained weight change, a racing heart and other signs may indicate a thyroid disorder. The thyroid is a gland found near the base of the neck. This gland secretes three hormones […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":62744,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[42],"class_list":["post-66352","retirement","type-retirement","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-living-healthy"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n