Thyroid disease is one of the most common reasons for thyroid testing. The thyroid gland produces hormones that control how our bodies use energy from food and how we grow and develop. It also helps to regulate our body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, weight, hair growth and skin health. Your thyroid is nestled at the base of your neck near your windpipe (trachea).
Thyroid Health Is a Multifaceted Issue
Thyroid health is a multifaceted issue. It’s more than just the thyroid gland itself, which is located in your neck and makes hormones that control metabolism. If you have thyroid disease, it could be caused by environmental factors like pollution or chemicals in your water supply; genetic factors like having a family history of thyroid problems; lifestyle factors such as stress or poor diet choices (such as eating too much sugar).
Thyroid hormone levels are regulated by what we call “routes of T4 synthesis,” meaning there are different ways your body makes this important hormone out of thyroglobulin protein produced in the thyroid gland itself. There are two main routes: (1) active uptake from plasma into follicular cells followed by conversion to T3/T4 within these cells or (2) direct secretion from follicular cells into blood circulation where it’s available for use throughout the body via circulation into target tissues such as liver, kidney cortex etcetera..
How Your Thyroid Works
The thyroid gland produces hormones that control metabolism. The thyroid hormones are called T3 and T4, which are produced by the follicular cells of the thyroid gland. These hormones help regulate the body’s growth and development, as well as its energy levels.
Your thyroid gland is located in your neck just below your Adam’s apple (larynx). It’s about the size of a walnut, with two lobes on either side of your windpipe (trachea).
The Different Types of Thyroid Disease
There are several types of thyroid disease, each with its own symptoms and causes. The most common forms include:
- Hashimoto’s disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your immune system attacks the thyroid gland. It can cause hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive).
- Graves’ disease, another autoimmune disorder in which antibodies produced by your body trigger an inflammatory response that leads to hyperthyrotropinemia–an overproduction of T3 and T4 hormones.
- Thyroid cancer (papillary carcinoma), which accounts for up to 80 percent of all cancers affecting this organ; it typically occurs in women between ages 30-50 but also affects men during their 60s or 70s if they’ve been exposed to radiation earlier in life as part of medical treatment such as radiation therapy after having undergone surgery for cancer elsewhere on the body
What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Disease?
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, while hyperthyroidism is when it produces too many. Symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain or weight loss (depending on whether you have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
- Dry skin and hair, brittle nails, joint pain and muscle aches (in both cases)
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of your thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s can lead to hypothyroidism if left untreated. Common symptoms include:
- Painful lymph nodes in your neck
- A hoarse voice because of swelling around your vocal cords
Thyroid cancer accounts for 80% of all cancers diagnosed in women ages 35-50; however most cases are slow growing and treatable if caught early enough. If you notice any changes in your body that don’t go away after two weeks–or if they start suddenly–call us right away so we can help find out what’s causing them!
Diagnosing the Cause of Your Thyroid Symptoms
A healthcare practitioner can determine if you have thyroid disease by performing a physical exam, taking your medical history and ordering blood tests.
In addition to the symptoms listed above, other signs that may indicate the presence of thyroid disease include:
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Swollen neck glands (lymph nodes) in front of the ears
- Increased menstrual flow or menstrual periods lasting longer than usual
A holistic approach can help you manage thyroid disease.
A holistic approach is one that looks at the whole person and considers how their mind, body and spirit are connected. It’s important to take this approach when dealing with thyroid disease because there are many factors that can impact its symptoms.
A holistic practitioner will look at your medical history, lifestyle choices (such as diet), stress levels, sleep patterns and other factors that may be affecting your health. They might also want to know about any medications you’re taking or supplements you’re taking regularly so they can determine whether these might be contributing to thyroid symptoms like fatigue or weight gain.
If you’d like more information about finding a holistic practitioner in your area or if this type of treatment sounds appealing to you but aren’t sure where to start looking for one near natural treatment of thyroid in Minneapolis
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing symptoms of thyroid disease, it’s important to get tested and treated. However, there are many other factors that can contribute to your overall health and well-being. A holistic approach will help you manage your condition while also addressing these other issues so they don’t get in the way of recovery!
