About Thyroid Disorder: Symptoms and Treatments

Thyroid conditions rarely resolve on their own. Most thyroid conditions are chronic and need ongoing treatment. But with the right care, thyroid disease symptoms can be effectively managed and the patient’s quality of life can be enhanced.
 
For example, treatment options such as radioactive iodine, antithyroid drugs, and surgery can be used to manage common thyroid conditions. In many cases, treatment results in remission or a significant reduction in symptoms brought on by Graves’ disease or toxic nodular goiter.
 
Similarly, lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy is often necessary to manage hypothyroidism brought on by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. With the right management, people with hypothyroidism can lead healthy, active, and fulfilling lives.
 
It’s very important to consult a thyroid specialist if you suspect you have thyroid disease. Through a specialist, you will receive an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific thyroid condition, symptoms, and circumstances.

Depending on whether the thyroid gland is overactive or underactive, thyroid problems can result in a wide range of symptoms. People with hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, may experience symptoms such as:
 
● Fatigue
● Muscle weakness
● Cold intolerance
● Dry skin and hair
● Constipation
● Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
● Low mood or depression
● Joint pain and stiffness
● Memory issues
● Irregular menstruation
 
In contrast, people with an overactive thyroid gland may exhibit symptoms such as:
 
● Nervousness or anxiety
● Irritability
● Rapid heartbeat
● Weight loss
● Increased appetite
● Heat intolerance
● Excessive sweating
● Tremors or shaking hands
● Difficulty sleeping
● Changes in menstrual patterns
● Enlarged thyroid gland
● Eye problems
 
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions. Therefore, it’s advised to consult a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. The healthcare provider will perform tests to evaluate your thyroid function and determine if further evaluation or treatment is needed.

Here are a few typical thyroid treatments for thyroid conditions:
 
● Levothyroxine – Used to treat hypothyroidism, this medication is a synthetic version of the thyroid hormone T4.
● Antithyroid drugs – These medications, such as methimazole and propylthiouracil, lower thyroid hormone production to treat hyperthyroidism.
● Radioactive iodine therapy – This procedure uses radioactive iodine to kill thyroid cells and lessen thyroid hormone production. It is often used to treat hyperthyroidism.
● Beta-blockers – These drugs are usually used to treat specific hyperthyroidism symptoms, such as tremors and a rapid heartbeat.
● Thyroid HRT – In cases of hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone replacement therapy is used to replace the hormones that the thyroid gland is not producing in sufficient amounts.
● Active monitoring – To assess the progression of thyroid nodules or thyroiditis, periodic blood tests or imaging studies may be prescribed.

The thyroid gland, which is found in the neck and produces hormones that regulate metabolism, can be impacted by a range of conditions. Some of the most common thyroid problems include:
 
● Goiter – An enlarged thyroid gland that can be brought on by a number of conditions, such as an iodine deficiency, thyroid nodules, or inflammation.
● Hypothyroidism – This condition develops when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism is characterized by symptoms such as depression, dry hair and skin, weight gain, fatigue, and sensitivity to the cold.
● Hyperthyroidism – This is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism often causes symptoms such as tremors, an accelerated heartbeat, anxiety, excessive sweating, and unexplained weight loss.
● Thyroid nodules – These growths or lumps on the thyroid gland can be cancerous or benign. It is important to see a specialist to get thyroid nodules evaluated.
● Thyroiditis – Autoimmune conditions, viral or bacterial infections, and other factors can lead to thyroid gland inflammation, which is also known as thyroiditis.
● Thyroid cancer – Thyroid cancer is a rare but serious condition where the thyroid gland develops and spreads abnormal cells.
 
For more information and guidance contact us now or book an appointment today. We are located at 3101 Maguire Blvd Suite 101, Orlando FL 32803. We are serving clients from Orlando, FL, Winter Park FL, Fairview Shores FL, Edgewood FL, and surrounding areas!