Thyroid Disease 101

The thyroid, a small butterfly shaped gland located in the front of your neck at the base of your throat, plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, energy, and temperature. When the thyroid produces too little or too much hormone, it can lead to conditions that dramatically affect your overall health and quality of life.

Millions of Americans are diagnosed with a thyroid condition each year. It’s a common endocrine disorder. This Thyroid Awareness Month, AFC Urgent Care Danbury East can help you understand thyroid disease, recognize its symptoms, and access the testing and treatment you need to stay healthy.

What Is Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid disease occurs when the thyroid gland’s hormone production becomes unbalanced. This imbalance can lead to:

Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid condition, is often caused by Hashimoto’s Disease, your metabolism slows down, which may result in fatigue, weight gain, and cold sensitivity.

Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid condition commonly linked to Graves’ Disease, speeds up metabolism and may lead to weight loss, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat.

There are other thyroid conditions as well, including thyroid nodules, inflammation, and thyroid cancer.

Symptoms: How Do I Know If I Have Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid disease symptoms can vary depending on whether the thyroid is underproducing or overproducing hormones. For example?

For Hypothyroidism, too little thyroid, symptoms include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Weight gain
• Dry skin and brittle hair
• Cold sensitivity
• Depression or brain fog

For Hyperthyroidism, too much thyroid, symptoms include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Heat intolerance
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Nervousness or irritability
• Difficulty sleeping

In Danbury, where seasonal weather changes may heighten symptoms related to temperature sensitivity, timely thyroid evaluations are especially important.

Diagnosing Thyroid Disease

At AFC Urgent Care Danbury East, we provide comprehensive diagnostic services to accurately identify thyroid conditions. Testing includes Blood Tests to measure levels of T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to evaluate thyroid function; a Physical Exam to check for swelling, nodules, or other abnormalities in the thyroid gland; and a review of your Medical History to assess symptoms and pinpoint risk factors. Your doctor will help you understand what’s going on, and suggest appropriate treatment.

Managing Thyroid Disease

Effective management of thyroid disease involves treatments tailored to your specific condition and needs. Generally, your life will go on as normally, including exercise, which is great. Treatment options may include:

• Medication: Hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism or anti-thyroid drugs for hyperthyroidism.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Stress management, regular exercise, and dietary changes to support thyroid health.
• Advanced Treatments: For severe cases, radioactive iodine therapy or surgery may be recommended.

Your provider will work with you to develop a customized plan for long-term thyroid health.

Why Choose AFC Urgent Care Danbury East for Thyroid Testing?

The only way to know for sure if you have a thyroid condition or disease is to get tested.

At AFC Urgent Care Danbury East you can:

• Walk in 7 days a week, 8am-8pm weekdays, 8am-5pm weekends, or save your spot.
• Access fast, accurate testing with on-site labs.
• Receive compassionate care from experienced providers who prioritize your health.

Take control of your thyroid health with our expert testing and care.

FAQ: Thyroid Health

Q: What does the thyroid gland do?

A: The thyroid produces hormones (T3 and T4) that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature.

Q: What causes thyroid disease?

A: Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s Disease and Graves’ Disease, iodine imbalances, and thyroid nodules or inflammation.

Q: How is thyroid disease diagnosed?

A: Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure hormone levels, a physical exam to check for abnormalities, and a review of your medical history.

Q: Can thyroid disease be treated?

A: Absolutely, Treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgery or radioactive iodine therapy.

Q: Why is thyroid care important in Danbury?

A: Seasonal weather changes in Danbury can worsen symptoms like heat or cold sensitivity, making timely thyroid evaluations essential for managing your health.