Why Learn About Thyroid Disease?
The thyroid gland, located in the front of your neck, is a small but powerful organ responsible for regulating your body’s metabolism, energy levels, and temperature. When the thyroid produces too little or too much hormone, it can lead to conditions that can significantly impact your overall health.
AFC Urgent Care Marlborough is here to help you recognize the symptoms of thyroid disease, access timely diagnostic testing, and receive personalized care to effectively manage your condition.
What Is Thyroid Disease?
Thyroid disease occurs when the thyroid gland’s hormone production is unbalanced. This imbalance commonly leads to two primary conditions:
- Hypothyroidism: Often caused by Hashimoto’s Disease, this underactive thyroid condition slows metabolic processes, causing symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold.
- Hyperthyroidism: Frequently linked to Graves’ Disease, this overactive thyroid condition speeds up metabolism, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat.
Additional possible thyroid-related conditions include thyroid nodules, thyroiditis (inflammation the thyroid), and thyroid cancer.
Those at a higher risk of developing a thyroid condition are usually women over 60, people with thyroid disease who take a medication high in iodine, or those who have had their thyroid removed or received radiation for thyroid cancer.
Thyroid disease is quite common and is generally easy to recognize and treat. The key to success is awareness, early testing, and treatment. AFC Urgent Care Marlborough understands your concern; that's why we've created this guide.
What to Look For: Common Symptoms for Thyroid Disease
Thyroid disease symptoms vary depending on whether the thyroid is underproducing or overproducing hormones. Common warning signs for underproduction (hypothyroidism) include: persistent fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, dry hair or skin, and symptoms like depression or brain fog
This condition may be brought on by inflammation (swelling) of the thyroid gland or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a painless autoimmune condition where the body’s immune cells attack the thyroid. Iodine deficiency also affects several millions and may be a contributing cause. And sometimes, the thyroid gland just doesn’t work correctly from birth. This affects about 1 in 4,000 newborns.
Hyperthyroidism, or overproduction, can be caused by Grave’s disease, a condition where the entire thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much hormone. This condition may also present with visible swelling or difficulty swallowing due to an enlarged thyroid gland. This is also called diffuse toxic goiter. Sometimes overactive nodules within the thyroid can also cause problems, or inflammation may cause too many stored hormones to be released at once. Also, when one has excess iodine (the mineral used to make thyroid hormones). the thyroid makes more thyroid hormones than it needs.
Common symptoms of this condition include: unexplained weight loss, sensitivity to heat, nervousness or irritability, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and difficulty sleeping.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please seek medical attention. This underscores the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking timely testing to address thyroid issues effectively.
Diagnosing Thyroid Disease
At AFC Urgent Care Marlborough, we offer comprehensive testing to accurately diagnose thyroid conditions. Blood tests will measure T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels to assess thyroid function. Providers will conduct a physical exam to detect swelling or nodules in the thyroid gland, and also review your medical history to assess risk factors such as autoimmune conditions, iodine imbalances, or family predispositions.
Living With Thyroid Disease
Treatment for thyroid disease depends on the specific condition and its severity. Common management strategies include:
Medications: Hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism or other medications for hyperthyroidism.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Including stress management, regular exercise, and a balanced diet to support overall health.
Advanced Treatments: In severe cases, radioactive iodine therapy or surgery may be required to address underlying issues.
Your healthcare provider will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan; with proper care you can maintain optimal thyroid health and improve your quality of life.
Why Choose AFC Urgent Care Marlborough for Your Thyroid Tests and Treatment?
The only way to know for sure if you have a thyroid condition or disease is to get tested.
At AFC Urgent Care Marlborough you can:
- Walk in 7 days a week, 8am-8pm weekdays, 8am-5pm weekends, or save your spot.
- Access fast, reliable testing with on-site labs.
- Receive personalized care from experienced providers who understand the health needs of the Marlborough community.
Take control of your thyroid health today with our expert diagnostic services and compassionate 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 disorders like Hashimoto’s Disease and Graves’ Disease, iodine imbalances, and thyroid nodules or inflammation are common causes.
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: Yes, treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes, and, in some more extreme cases, surgery or radioactive iodine therapy.
Q: Why is thyroid care important in Marlborough?
A: Seasonal weather changes in Marlborough can intensify symptoms like heat or cold sensitivity, making timely thyroid evaluations and treatment essential for maintaining your health.
