Recognizing the Symptoms of Thyroid Disease and the Preventive Measures You Can Take

Thyroid disease affects millions of people, especially women. However, it can be difficult to recognize the symptoms of thyroid disease because so many of them can be explained by other factors like stress.

Although thyroid disease is serious and medication can help, natural thyroid hormone therapy and lifestyle changes can also make a difference. Licensed physician assistant Gordon Hart takes your health seriously, and the entire team at Balance Hormone Center can help if your thyroid is acting up. Here, we discuss the symptoms of thyroid disease and the preventive measures you can take.

Overview of types of thyroid disease

The most common types of thyroid disease are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Both of these cause your immune system to attack the thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism means your body produces too little of the thyroid hormone. The most common type of hypothyroidism is called Hashimoto’s disease. Hyperthyroidism means your body produces too much of the thyroid hormone. The most common type of hyperthyroidism is called Graves’ disease.

Women are more likely to develop thyroid problems, particularly during childbearing years. 

Common symptoms of thyroid disease 

Symptoms of thyroid disease depend on whether your thyroid hormone level is too low or too high.

Hypothyroidism symptoms include:

• Feeling cold
• Hair thinning or loss
• Weight gain, despite not eating more food
• Constipation
• Feeling depressed
• Feeling tired or weak
• Heavier menstrual periods than normal

Untreated hypothyroid symptoms can increase your risk of heart disease.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Weight loss, despite no dietary changes
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Irritability or nervousness
• Trouble sleeping
• Increased sweating
• Feeling hot
• Diarrhea or more bowel movements than usual
• Fewer or lighter menstrual periods than usual

Untreated hyperthyroidism can increase your risk of osteoporosis.

Traditional medical views of thyroid disorders

Because the symptoms of either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can apply to many other conditions, some doctors may look for other causes. Your doctor may run the test for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), but if it comes back normal, you may be misdiagnosed with other conditions such as depression or fibromyalgia.

However, TSH is only part of the picture of thyroid health. You can have a TSH level that falls within the normal range but have abnormal levels of other key thyroid hormones such as T3 or T4. Testing for all of the thyroid hormones can accurately determine whether you have a thyroid condition.

Preventive measures you can take

Healthy lifestyles are important for everyone, but especially for people with thyroid disease. Many people with low thyroid hormones may also be low in iodine. Try adding sea vegetables and seaweed to your diet, which are naturally high in iodine. Fish and shellfish are also good for your thyroid health, as are eggs and brazil nuts.

Exercise and relaxation are also essential to a healthy lifestyle, especially for managing thyroid disease. If you have hypothyroidism, it’s also important to take certain vitamin supplements, including vitamin D and iron.

You also may benefit from natural thyroid hormone therapy and in-office IV therapy sessions. These natural treatments work to correct thyroid hormone imbalance. 

Taking control of your health includes many components, such as good nutrition, mind/body relaxation, and regular exercise. A supportive health care provider is another essential part of your plan. Call Balance Hormone Center in Norman, Oklahoma, today or request an appointment online.