Your thyroid is responsible for regulating your metabolism. Research shows that about 12% of Americans develop thyroid complications. Metabolism involves converting food and oxygen in your body to energy, and you can experience complications when this process interferes. The thyroid imbalances Bastrop specialists can help you identify the possible complications like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. Understanding the common symptoms of these complications can help you take action early and improve the effectiveness of the treatment. Here is how to identify common thyroid disorders
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Learn About Goiter
Goiter is a common thyroid problem involving abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. To help identify the condition, ensure you learn about the condition from verified sources. You cannot feel your thyroid glands under normal circumstances, but you can feel them when you have a goiter. Also, you must learn and check for common symptoms of goiter. The main symptom is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, and many people do not develop other symptoms. However, it can also lead to wheezing, coughing, breathing issues, swallowing difficulties, and tightness or swelling. Also, consider the possible causes of goiter such as iodine deficiency, graves disease, Hashimoto’s disease, and thyroid nodules.
Understand Hyperthyroidism
This is another common thyroid problem that can be referred to as overactive thyroid due to the overproduction of thyroid hormones. This elevates your metabolism and can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, irregular heartbeat, rapid heart rate, irritability, anxiety, protruding eyes, muscle weakness, diarrhea, sleeping issues, and increased sweating. It is essential to assess your risk factors for hyperthyroidism. Family history, advanced age, assigned female at birth, iodine deficiency, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and lupus contribute to hyperthyroidism.
Understand Hypothyroidism
This is an underactive thyroid due to the underproduction of thyroid hormones. The condition is more common than hyperthyroidism. It leads to decreased metabolism in your body, causing symptoms like weight gain, constipation, muscle pain, joint pain, muscle weakness, slow heart rate, decreased sweating, facial puffiness, poor concentration, fatigue, and depression. It is essential to evaluate your risk factors, including age, female gender, antithyroid treatments, family history, previous thyroid surgery, and autoimmune complications.
Make an Appointment with Your Doctor
If you understand the common thyroid disorders and have suspicious symptoms, it is essential to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Your provider will offer an accurate diagnosis and recommend the proper treatment where needed. There are several ways to diagnose the condition, confirm your symptoms, or rule out thyroid complications. Ensure you share accurate family and medical history with your doctor and explain all the symptoms you are experiencing.
Get Tested
You can request blood tests to diagnose thyroid disorders. Your doctor can recommend several blood tests, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test, thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI), and antithyroid antibody test. You can also ask for imaging tests like ultrasounds, computed tomography, and thyroid scans with radioactive iodine uptake. Additionally, you can consider a fine needle aspiration biopsy where necessary.
Reach out to the thyroid imbalance specialists at Pompeyo C Chavez, MD, for help if you have suspicious symptoms indicating possible thyroid problems. Make a call or book your consultation appointment online.