Thyroid Diseases and Treatments

By Ashley Chapman

If you are experiencing severe weight gain or weight loss, you may be suffering from a thyroid disease.  There is currently no cure for thyroid diseases; however, it can be beneficial to be aware of the treatments that are available. Read more to learn more information about the types of thyroid diseases, symptoms and possible treatments available.

What is a Thyroid?

The thyroid is a gland that is located at the base of your neck. This gland is responsible for creating a hormone that controls your metabolism and your heart. If you suffer from a thyroid disease,that means the hormone being released is not being controlled within your body. Either there will be too much of the hormone being released or not enough.

Symptoms of Thyroid Disease

Every thyroid disease has its own symptoms that are based on the problem of the thyroid. It is important to keep track of the symptoms you are experiencing and sharing those symptoms with your doctor. Below are some of the more common types of thyroid diseases and their symptoms.

Hyperthyroidism 

When your thyroid is overproducing, you may be suffering from hyperthyroidism. This form of thyroid disease is more common in men than in women.

The symptoms you may experience may include:

• Anxiety
• Weakness in muscles
• Difficulty sleeping
• Increased heart rate

Hypothyroidism

This form of thyroid disease is when the thyroid is not producing enough of its hormone. Hypothyroidism affects more people than hyperthyroidism.

The symptoms you may experience may include:

• Weight gain
• Reduced heart rate
• Constipation
• Fatigue

Hashimoto Disease

This disease most commonly causes hypothyroidism. This form of thyroid disease is most common in middle-aged women and causes the immune system to attack the thyroid gland.

 Symptoms of Hashimoto disease may include: 

• Depression
• Weight gain
• Enlarged thyroid
• Constipation

Treatment of Thyroids 

The type of treatment you receive will be specific to the type of thyroid disease you are suffering from. The treatment for hypothyroidism is commonly treated with a form of medication that provides the hormone that would otherwise normally be released by the thyroid gland. 

If you suffer from hyperthyroidism, there are three different treatments available. These treatments include medicine, radioiodine, and surgery. Your health practitioner will choose the treatment based on the symptoms you are experiencing.

 Hashimoto disease is an autoimmune disease and will normally require a blood test to check for thyroid hormones being produced.  Other potential treatment options include surgery or medication to help supplement for the hormonal changes. 

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Brentwood, Tenn.