Thyroid disease is a disorder of the endocrine system, which affects the way the body uses energy. It can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and can even be life-threatening.
Getting to know the symptoms, causes and treatments of thyroid disease is essential in order to take control of your health. With the right information, early diagnosis and the right treatments, managing a thyroid condition can be easier than you think. AFC Urgent Care Danbury is here to help you stay informed about the dangers of thyroid disease and how to get tested!
Understanding Thyroid Disease
The thyroid gland is a small organ that’s located in the front of the neck, wrapped around the windpipe (trachea). It’s shaped like a butterfly. The two main hormones the Thyroid produces are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The thyroid gland’s responsibility is to manage how much of these hormones are produced.
Thyroid disease occurs when there is an imbalance of these hormones. If the gland produces too excessively, then, we’re looking at hyperthyroidism. If the gland under produces, then, we’re looking at Hypothyroidism. Let’s also keep in mind that there are other Thyroid Diseases, as well.
Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism are the two common categories when it comes to Thyroid disease.
Hypothyroidism:
With hypothyroidism your thyroid gland can’t make enough hormones to function well.. In hypothyroidism, the gland’s hormone production slows. This, in turn, slows your metabolism, which can lead to weight gain and other symptoms.
Hyperthyroidism:
As its name suggests, hyperthyroidism occurs when your body makes too much of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), and becomes overactive. If you have hyperthyroidism, you may experience a fast heartbeat, increased appetite, anxiety, sensitivity to heat, or sudden weight loss.
Early Signs Of A Thyroid Condition
Looking for Thyroid disease symptoms can be a tad confusing. It can be confusing due to the broad and easily mistaken symptoms. Despite the confusion, there are symptoms for Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism symptoms may include : Having muscle weakness and tremors, experiencing irregular menstrual periods or having your menstrual cycle stop, feeling sensitive to heat, having vision problems or eye irritation, or having trouble sleeping.
Hypothyroidism symptoms may include : Having dry and coarse hair, having a hoarse voice, experiencing an intolerance to cold temperatures, feeling fatigue, or gaining weight
Is There A Thyroid Blood Test?
Our providers at AFC Urgent Care Danbury East can diagnose Thyroid Disease with a few tests that include :
- Blood testing for your thyroid
- Physical examination
- Medical History Review
These tests will help the doctor understand what is going on with your Thyroid Gland and will accurately pinpoint the issues the Thyroid may be going through.
Managing A Thyroid Condition
For the most part, a Thyroid condition won’t interrupt a person's normal life. However, some changes are inevitable. Exercise is important and a Thyroid condition will not stop someone's daily exercise routine. Dietary change is going to occur, monitoring the Thyroid gland will be a must, and medication and treatment will be part of the person’s lifestyle.
AFC Urgent Care Danbury Can Test And Evaluate You For Thyroid Disease
AFC Urgent Care Danbury can help answer questions and concerns you may have about thyroid disease. We offer full examinations and blood tests to check your thyroid so that you can have peace of mind.
Our doors are open 7 days a week and we take in walk-ins as well as appointments.
