What are thyroid disorders?
A thyroid disorder is a problem with your thyroid gland — a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that makes hormones to control your body’s metabolism. Common thyroid disorders include:
- Hypothyroidism: too little thyroid hormone production
- Hyperthyroidism: excess thyroid hormone production
- Goiter: thyroid gland enlargement
- Thyroiditis: thyroid gland swelling
- Thyroid nodules: thyroid gland lumps
- Thyroid cancer: cancer of the thyroid gland
The North Houston Diabetes Institute team screens you for thyroid disorders and helps you better manage a thyroid problem to eliminate symptoms and prevent complications.
What are the risk factors for thyroid disorders?
Anybody can develop a thyroid disorder, but certain factors boost your risk of getting one. Examples include personal or family history of thyroid disease, being a woman, having anemia or type 1 diabetes, and past surgery or radiotherapy affecting your thyroid gland.
What are the symptoms of thyroid disorders?
Common thyroid disorder signs and symptoms to watch out for include:
- Enlarged thyroid gland
- Lumps on the thyroid gland
- Cold or heat sensitivity
- Constipation or frequent bowel movements
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Muscle weakness
- Joint pain
- Fatigue, depression, or irritability
- Pale or dry skin and hair
- Changes in menstrual periods in women
- Sleeping problems
- Irregular heartbeat
Thyroid problems are more common in women, affecting about 1 in 8 women at some point during their lives.
How are thyroid disorders diagnosed?
To find out if you have a thyroid disorder, your North Houston Diabetes Institute specialist reviews your symptoms and asks you about your medical history.
They complete a physical exam and use blood tests, ultrasound, other imaging tests, or a biopsy to diagnose thyroid problems and develop a treatment plan. Thyroid disorders and autoimmune diseases often coincide.
How are thyroid disorders treated?
Your customized thyroid disorder treatment depends on your specific condition and its severity. Your specialist might recommend:
- Diet and other lifestyle changes
- Medications
- Dietary supplements
- Radioiodine therapy
If you exhibit signs of thyroid cancer, your provider may suggest thyroid surgery.
Don’t live with an untreated thyroid disorder and its complications when solutions are available at North Houston Diabetes Institute. Schedule an appointment by phone or book online today.
