Spotting the Warning Signs of a Thyroid Disorder
It might seem strange that a small, butterfly-shaped structure can tip the scales when it comes to your health. But if you’re one of the 20 million people who have a thyroid disorder, you know exactly how impactful it can be.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to diagnose a thyroid disorder. The symptoms are varied and they mimic other conditions, which means that many people never seek the help they need.
That’s where we come in.
Dr. Pompeyo Chavez and our team at Premier Family Physicians in Bastrop, Texas, specialize in identifying and treating thyroid disorders. We’re sharing some of the most common warning signs of thyroid disorders so you can get the treatment you need.
Common thyroid disorders
From goiters to cancer, there’s a variety of health conditions that can lead to thyroid disorders and imbalances.
The two most common thyroid disorders are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. In hyperthyroidism, your thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much of its hormone. Grave’s disease is often a cause of hyperthyroidism.
On the other hand, hypothyroidism occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough of its hormone. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is usually behind hypothyroidism, but surgical removal of the thyroid gland or damage from radiation treatment can also cause it.
It may be difficult to tell when your thyroid is causing your health problems. Learning and identifying some of the warning signs can help you better understand your situation.
Warning signs of a thyroid disorder
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism may both affect the thyroid, but they don’t impact your health in the same way. Here’s a closer look at the most common symptoms of each.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism
When your thyroid starts to overproduce its hormones, it can lead to a wide range of physical and mental health issues. Some of the most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Restlessness
- Nervousness
- Racing heart
- Irritability
- Increased sweating
- Shaking
- Anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Thin, dry skin
- Brittle hair and nails
- Muscle weakness
- Weight loss
If Grave’s disease caused your hyperthyroidism, you may also have bulging eyes.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
If your thyroid is under attack and not producing enough of its hormones, you could develop symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Memory problems
- Constipation
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Weakness
- Slow heart rate
In the worst cases, hypothyroidism leads to coma. It’s crucial to take note of any changes in your health and report them to Dr. Chavez as soon as possible.
Your treatment options
If you recognize the symptoms of a thyroid disorder, it’s time to take action. Though the symptoms may point to other problems, we accurately diagnose thyroid disorders by conducting a thorough evaluation of your health.
We review your health history and perform routine blood tests to measure your hormone levels. Once we notice abnormalities in your hormones, we create a customized treatment plan. Depending on your needs, your treatment plan may include the following:
- Medication
- Stress management
- Nutritional support
- Supplements
- Dietary improvement
- Inflammation reduction
We always treat your thyroid disorder with your whole health in mind, helping you address your symptoms and live a healthier lifestyle.
Do you think you have a thyroid disorder? Don’t wait to talk to our expert. Request an appointment online or give our friendly staff a call at 512-262-4699.