A Guide to Thyroid Disease: What You Should Know

Thyroid disease is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects millions of people worldwide. To keep you feeling your best, we’ve created a guide to help you become aware of symptoms and available treatments.

A healthy thyroid is essential for many bodily functions. A thyroid imbalance can threaten your overall health and well-being. During Thyroid Disease Awareness month, AFC Urgent Care Rocky Hill hopes you will use our comprehensive guide.

What is Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid disease is caused by an imbalance in your body’s production of thyroid hormones. The two main thyroid hormones are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating how much of these hormones are produced.

This regulation considers factors such as stress, diet, and environment. In some cases, an autoimmune reaction may cause the immune system to attack the thyroid gland. As a result, hormone production will either slow down or speed up, leading to an imbalance in hormone levels and resulting in thyroid disease.

There are 2 Types of Thyroid Disease:

Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

With hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland can’t produce enough hormones to function well. The gland’s hormone production slows, which in turn slows your metabolism. This can lead to weight gain and other symptoms such as fatigue, dry skin, thinning hair, and sensitivity to cold.

Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). This overactivity speeds up metabolism, potentially causing symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, increased appetite, anxiety, sensitivity to heat, and sudden weight loss.

What Causes Thyroid Disorders?  

Hashimoto’s Disease: This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, reducing thyroid hormone production (hypothyroidism).

Graves’ Disease: With this autoimmune condition, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, the immune system overstimulates the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much thyroid.

Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland is often caused by an infection or a reaction to an infection.

Thyroid Nodules: Lumps or growths on the thyroid gland may be benign or cancerous.

Goiter: An enlarged gland is often caused by iodine deficiency.

Thyroid Disease: What to Look For  

Symptoms of thyroid disease can develop gradually and may be mistaken for other health conditions. Watch for these signs:

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or lack of energy
• Weight Changes: Unexplained weight gain (common in hypothyroidism) or weight loss (common in hyperthyroidism)
• Hair and Skin Issues: Dry skin, brittle hair, thinning hair, or hair loss
• Mood Swings: Irritability, depression, anxiety, or difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to Temperature: Feeling unusually cold (hypothyroidism) or unusually hot (hyperthyroidism)
• Heart-Related Symptoms: Rapid or irregular heartbeat, more common in hyperthyroidism

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor and get tested.

Thyroid Disease: Diagnosis and Management

Diagnosis

Diagnosing thyroid disease involves a thorough evaluation, including blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4, and TSH), a physical exam, and a review of your medical history. At AFC Urgent Care Rocky Hill, we provide on-site testing to quickly identify thyroid issues and recommend appropriate treatments.

Management

Managing thyroid disease depends on its type and severity but typically includes:

• Medications: Hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism or anti-thyroid medications for hyperthyroidism
• Dietary Adjustments: Ensuring adequate iodine intake and maintaining a balanced diet
• Lifestyle Changes: Stress management, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight

Regular follow-ups with your doctor ensure treatment remains effective and tailored to your needs.

Why Get Tested at AFC Urgent Care Rocky Hill?

Thyroid disease often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms overlap with other conditions. Testing is the first step toward understanding and managing your health.

At AFC Urgent Care Rocky Hill:

• Walk in 7 days a week, 8am-8pm weekdays, 8am-5pm weekends, or save your spot online.
• On-site labs provide fast, accurate results.

Take charge of your health today. Whether it’s a simple test or ongoing care, we’re dedicated to helping you feel your best.

FAQ: Thyroid Health

Q: What is the thyroid, and why is it important?

A: The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature.

Q: What’s the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?

A: Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too little hormone, slowing down metabolism. It is commonly caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid produces too much hormone, speeding up metabolism. The most common cause is Graves’ disease.

Q: How is thyroid disease diagnosed?

A: Diagnosis is through blood tests measuring hormone levels, a physical exam, and a review of symptoms.

Q: Can thyroid disease be treated?

A: Yes, treatments include medications, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis and management can greatly improve your quality of life.