The thyroid gland, located in the front mid-section of your neck, serves several important purposes, including regulating your metabolism, the rhythm of your heart, digestive function, and the health of your muscles. Unfortunately, thyroid disorders can cause a variety of easy-to-ignore symptoms, ranging from dry skin to weight gain. Here's a little more information about thyroid disease and how your health care provider can help.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition marked by an underactive thyroid gland. People with this health issue may experience fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, depression, muscle cramps, carpal tunnel, brittle nails, and weight gain. Hypothyroidism can also impact your heart by making your arteries less elastic and lowering your heart rate.

Fortunately, hypothyroidism can be treated by health care providers with Synthroid, an artificial hormone identical to the body's natural thyroxine. These pills are small and taken once a day, recreating the natural hormone loss experienced by people with underactive thyroids.

Hyperthyroidism

On the other hand, your body can make too much thyroid hormone. This condition is referred to as hyperthyroidism, and it results in symptoms such as sweating spells, shakiness, anxiety, feeling hot, unexplained weight loss, fine hair, and hair loss. Hyperthyroidism can also be detrimental to normal heart function, causing rapid heartbeat and palpitations.

Medication can be used to treat hyperthyroidism. Methimazole and Propylthiouracil trigger the body to stop producing so much thyroid hormone, and these medications may be taken up to three times a day. Other, more permanent solutions are also available, including radiation therapy and surgery, to weaken or remove a portion of the thyroid gland.

If you’re experiencing a health symptom you can’t shake, turn to Carolina Doctors Med Care in Sanford, NC. With a commitment to offering everything from thyroid care to weight loss help, these health care professionals can improve your ability to live a happy, comfortable life. To find out more about their services, visit their website or call their office at (919) 774-3680.