The thyroid gland has a big job in the human body. It influences almost all of the metabolic processes in your body through the hormones it produces. But like any body part, our thyroids can be affected by thyroid disorders, and the most common involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones.
Our team at Local MD Urgent Care is trained to run a suite of blood tests to determine if you have any type of thyroid disorder, and to help you treat any diagnosed disorders. Schedule an appointment below or walk-in to one of our local clinics today!
Types of Thyroid Disorders
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, just above your collarbone. It is one of your endocrine glands, which make hormones. Thyroid hormones control the rate of many activities in your body. These include how fast you burn calories and how fast your heart beats. All of these activities are your body's metabolism. There are 2 main thyroid disorders: Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism.
About Hyperthyroidism
For individuals diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, it essentially means the thyroid is producing too much of the hormones. This condition is found more commonly in women than men, affecting roughly 1% of women. Common hyperthyroidism conditions or causes include:
Graves’ Disease: Overproduction of the thyroid hormone
Toxic Adenomas: Nodules that develop on the thyroid and secrete hormones, which upsets the chemical balance
Pituitary Gland Malfunctions
Subacute Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid that results in a “leak” of excess hormones; can be a temporary condition lasting from a few weeks to a few months
Some potential symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include, but aren’t limited to:
Weight Loss
Increased Appetite
Increased Sweating
Anxiety
Trouble Sleeping
Frequent Bowel Movements
About Hypothyroidism
The opposite kind of thyroid disease happens as a result of an underproduction of hormones in the thyroid. Causes of these thyroid diseases can include:
Removal of Thyroid Gland
High Lithium Consumption
Excessive Exposure to Iodide
Thyroid Malfunctions
Symptoms of hypothyroidism are, not surprisingly, mostly the opposite of those found in patients with hyperthyroidism. These symptoms include, but are not limited to:
Fatigue
Weight Gain
Thinning Hair
Intolerance of Cold
Joint and Muscle Pain
Puffy Face
Slowed Heart Rate
How Thyroid Testing Works
Our team of professionals can help diagnose a thyroid condition by performing a simple blood test. Through lab testing, we will analyze and measure your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Numbers that are too high or too low may indicate you are experiencing an issue with your thyroid. Our medical team will help guide you to next steps, discussing any recommended treatments, to help you feel like yourself again in no time.