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Affecting approximately 20 million people, thyroid disease is widespread. A gland responsible for controlling metabolism, the thyroid can become infected, produce too much or too little of certain hormones (known as hyperthyroid or hypothyroid disease), or fail to work at all. Left untreated, thyroid problems can be detrimental to your overall health, so it’s essential to watch for symptoms and talk to your doctor if you spot signs of a problem.

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck, at the upper part of your windpipe. It produces the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are essential to maintaining a healthy metabolism, or the rate at which your cells use energy. Your thyroid is part of a system with two other glands, the pituitary and hypothalamus. When those glands detect low levels of thyroid hormones in the blood, they produce hormones to trigger the thyroid to release more T3 and T4, restoring the proper balance. 

Hypothyroidism

When the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, it’s known as hypothyroid disease. The symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, digestive problems, intolerance to cold, and irregular menstrual cycles with heavy periods. Weight gain, dry skin, and a hoarse voice are also marks of hypothyroidism. 

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism means that the thyroid produces too much T3 and T4. In many cases, the symptoms are the exact opposite of hypothyroid disease. They include weight loss, irritability, infrequent periods, heat sensitivity, and muscle weakness. Hyperthyroidism can also cause vision problems, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. This condition is much less common than hypothyroidism. 

How Is Thyroid Disease Treated?

hypothyroid Issaquah, WAHypothyroid disease is usually treated with medication, specifically levothyroxine, a synthetic hormone that mimics the thyroid hormones. It can take some adjustments to determine the right dosage, but for most people, this drug is effective at reducing or eliminating symptoms. Eating a diet rich in foods containing vitamin A, zinc, and iodine can help boost thyroid production as well. Some people have also found that avoiding sugar and processed foods are beneficial.

Hyperthyroidism is more challenging to treat. The goal is to reduce the production of hormones, and that can be accomplished in several ways. Doctors may prescribe hormone-blocking medications or radioactive iodine treatments designed to disable the thyroid. In severe cases, surgery to remove part or all of the gland may be necessary. 

Regardless of the type of disease and the treatment used, thyroid disease is a lifelong, chronic condition and must be managed to keep the body healthy. 

 

At A Path to Natural Health in Issaquah, WA, naturopathic doctors Maura Scanlan and Emily Bender combine multiple holistic solutions to help you achieve and maintain your best possible health. They provide gynecological exams and infertility treatments, as well as personalized treatment plans to address an array of conditions, including hypothyroid disease and food sensitivity. For more information about the practice or to make an appointment, call (425) 270-3047 or visit them online.

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