What is Thyroid Disease?
Thyroid disease is a general term that refers to any condition that affects the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. The thyroid gland produces two main hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are important for maintaining normal metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. There are several different types of thyroid diseases, including:
- Hypothyroidism: This occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and constipation.
- Hyperthyroidism: This occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms may include weight loss, rapid heart rate, and tremors.
- Goiter: This is an enlarged thyroid gland that may be caused by an iodine deficiency, autoimmune disease, or other factors.
- Thyroid nodules: These are lumps that may form in the thyroid gland and may be benign (noncancerous) or cancerous.
- Thyroid cancer: This is a rare type of cancer that develops in the thyroid gland.
Thyroid diseases can be treated with medications, surgery, or other therapies, depending on the specific condition.
Diabetes & Thyroid Metabolic Clinic focus is in thyroid disease care and management in El Paso, Texas, and we are committed to providing personalized care and culture-sensitive treatment to all of our patients.
Under Active Thyroid
The most common symptoms of an under active thyroid (hypothyroidism) may include:
- Fatigue: People with hypothyroidism may feel tired and have low energy levels.
- Weight gain: Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, especially around the midsection, due to the slowed metabolism.
- Dry skin: The skin may become dry, rough, and flaky due to the decreased production of oils by the sebaceous glands.
- Constipation: Hypothyroidism can cause constipation due to the slowed movement of food through the digestive tract.
- Cold intolerance: People with hypothyroidism may feel cold more easily than others due to the slowed metabolism.
- Brittle nails: The nails may become brittle and break easily.
- Hair loss: Hypothyroidism can cause hair to become thin and brittle, leading to hair loss.
- Muscle weakness: The muscles may feel weak and sore due to the decreased production of energy by the body.
Over Active Thyroid
The most common symptoms of an over active thyroid (hyperthyroidism) may include:
- Weight loss: Despite an increased appetite, people with hyperthyroidism may experience weight loss due to the increased metabolism.
- Rapid heart rate: Hyperthyroidism can cause the heart to beat faster than normal, leading to palpitations or a racing heart.
- Tremors: People with hyperthyroidism may experience tremors, especially in the hands.
- Nervousness and anxiety: Hyperthyroidism can cause feelings of anxiety and nervousness due to the increased production of hormones.
- Sweating: Hyperthyroidism may cause excessive sweating, even in cool environments.
- Heat intolerance: People with hyperthyroidism may feel hot more easily than others due to the increased metabolism.
- Difficulty sleeping: Hyperthyroidism may cause insomnia or difficulty falling asleep due to the increased metabolism.
- Changes in menstrual cycle: Women with hyperthyroidism may experience changes in their menstrual cycle, such as lighter or more irregular periods.
Thyroid Disease Care and Management
At Diabetes and Thyroid Metabolic Clinic, we understand that every patient is unique and requires individualized and culturally sensitive care. Our team of doctors and healthcare professionals are dedicated to providing the best possible treatment for thyroid diseases.
For patients with hypothyroidism, we will work with them to determine the appropriate dosage of thyroid hormone replacement medication and monitor their progress regularly. We may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and exercise, to help manage the condition.
For patients with hyperthyroidism, we may recommend medications to slow down the production of thyroid hormone or radioactive iodine therapy to destroy some of the thyroid tissue. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. We will work with each patient to determine the best course of treatment based on their specific needs and preferences.
It is important to follow the recommended treatment plan and attend regular follow-up appointments to ensure that the thyroid disorder is well-controlled. We are committed to providing ongoing support and care to our patients with thyroid diseases.
Hypothyroidism Care & Management
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and constipation. Hypothyroidism can be caused by a variety of factors, including autoimmune disease, surgery to remove the thyroid gland, or radiation treatment for cancer.
Some critical aspects which we focus on include;
- Individualized treatment: The appropriate treatment and dosage of thyroid hormone replacement medication will vary from person to person and may need to be adjusted over time. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for each individual patient.
- Regular monitoring: It is important to regularly monitor thyroid hormone levels through blood tests and adjust treatment as needed.
- Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, can help manage hypothyroidism and improve overall health.
- Cultural sensitivity: It is important to consider cultural and personal preferences when developing a treatment plan for patients with hypothyroidism. This may involve taking into account certain cultural practices or dietary preferences.
- Ongoing support: Providing ongoing support and education to patients with hypothyroidism can help them better manage their condition and improve their quality of life. This may involve regular follow-up appointments and support with lifestyle changes.
Hyperthyroidism Care & Management
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include weight loss, rapid heart rate, and tremors. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by a variety of factors, including Graves’ disease, toxic nodular goiter, and thyroiditis. It is typically treated with medications to slow down the production of thyroid hormone, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.
Some critical aspects which we focus on include;
Individualized treatment: The appropriate treatment for hyperthyroidism will vary depending on the severity of the condition and the preferences of the patient. Options may include medications to slow down the production of thyroid hormone, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.
Regular monitoring: It is important to regularly monitor thyroid hormone levels through blood tests and adjust treatment as needed.
Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise, can help manage hyperthyroidism and improve overall health.
Cultural sensitivity: It is important to consider cultural and personal preferences when developing a treatment plan for patients with hyperthyroidism. This may involve taking into account certain cultural practices or dietary preferences.
Ongoing support: Providing ongoing support and education to patients with hyperthyroidism can help them better manage their condition and improve their quality of life. This may involve regular follow-up appointments and support with lifestyle changes.
