The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower front of the neck. Sadly, millions of Americans are diagnosed with a Thyroid condition. Thyroid disease is a common endocrine disorder, and can cause a wide range of symptoms, from fatigue and weight gain to depression and anxiety. Being educated on Thyroid Disease will help you better understand the cause, symptoms, and treatments available. 

You may be at a higher risk of developing a thyroid condition if you:

• Have a family history of thyroid disease.
• Have a medical condition (these can include pernicious anemia, Type 1 diabetes, primary adrenal insufficiency, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome and Turner syndrome).
• Take a medication that’s high in iodine (amiodarone).
• Are older than 60, especially in women.
• Have had treatment for a past thyroid condition or cancer (thyroidectomy or radiation).

Education is important. Therefore, AFC Urgent Care West Hartford has come up with a guideline to further comprehend thyroid disease causes, symptoms, and treatments. 

How Do You Get Thyroid Disease? 

First thing’s first, the thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower front of the neck. It produces two main hormones : triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Once the Thyroid starts to overproduce hormones (Hyperthyroidism) or once the gland starts to underproduce hormones (hypothyroidism) a thyroid condition is more than likely to  occur.

Other Thyroid Diseases, such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, thyroid cancer, and Thyroid tumors are very possible and should be taken into account.

What symptoms should I look for? 

Thyroid Disease symptoms can be different and very common. Symptoms can  vary depending if the Thyroid gland is overproducing or underproducing its hormones. 

Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism are the two common categories when it comes to Thyroid disease. The symptoms may vary.

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.

  Underproducing symptoms (Hypothyroidism)

• 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.
• Having trouble sleeping

Overproducing symptoms (Hyperthyroidism)

• Having dry and coarse hair.
• Having a hoarse voice.
• Experiencing an intolerance to cold temperatures.
• Feeling fatigue 
• Gaining weight 

If you experience any of the symptoms above, it’s advisable to seek help from a medical professional. 

How Do I Know If I Have A Thyroid condition? 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please seek medical attention. Thyroid symptoms can easily be passed as ordinary symptoms to other conditions. Our doctors at AFC Urgent Care West Hartford can check your Thyroid gland in a few ways. 

• Blood work can be done to determine the hormone levels
• Your medical history can be brought up to eliminate any other potential condition
• Physical examination (which is painless) can check if there is any abnormality in size or if there is any growth

The Reality Of Having A Thyroid condition

The truth is, having a Thyroid condition can be challenging but it won’t fully disrupt your normality. Some changes like diet, general lifestyle, and getting used to medication and regular check up are a must and can’t be avoided. Exercising is recommended. 

AFC Urgent Care West Hartford is here to assist you 

AFC Urgent Care West Hartford   is here to attend you. Our doors are open 7 days a week and we take in walk-ins as well as appointments. Our medical professionals will be here and will do the best they can to attend you. Do not hesitate to ask any questions or state any concerns you may have.