Treating Thyroid disease
The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland that regulates the body’s metabolism (i.e. the rate that the body produces energy from nutrients and oxygen). It can affect the body’s energy and heart rate. The thyroid gland is located at the front aspect of the lower neck.
There are many conditions that affect the thyroid. One of the most common conditions involving the thyroid is hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms include fatigue, depression, forgetfulness, and weight gain. Another common condition of the thyroid is hyperthyroidism. In hyperthyroidism the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms include irritability, nervousness, muscle weakness, unexplained weight loss, sleep disturbance, vision difficulties and changes in the eye.
According to the American Thyroid Association, it is estimated that over twenty million Americans have some sort of thyroid disease, and up to sixty percent of people are unaware of their condition. Women are five to eight times more likely to have thyroid disease verses men. Thyroid disease can predispose people to other conditions including cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and infertility. It is especially important to recognize thyroid disease in women of child bearing age as undiagnosed or inadequately treated thyroid disease can increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and severe developmental problems in their children.
Family physicians are trained to detect thyroid disease based on presenting symptoms and physical diagnosis. Your family doctor can order blood tests if there is suspicion for the presence of thyroid disease.
Treatment is relatively simple. There are medications that can increase the amount of thyroid hormone in the body in hypothyroidism and also decrease the amount of thyroid hormone being produced by the thyroid gland in hyperthyroidism.
If you suspect that you are suffering from a condition affecting the thyroid, you can easily make an appointment with any of the family practices within the Washington Health System. You can also read more about thyroid disease at the following link: www.thyroid.org.
About the author: Dr. Teagan Hayes was raised in Meadville, Pennsylvania. She graduated magna cum laude from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology and biotechnology. Dr. Hayes obtained her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree (D.O.) at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA. After completing her training in Washington she plans to reside in Western Pennsylvania with her husband, daughter, and two basset hounds and practice medicine as a family physician.