Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. I am someone who has a thyroid disorder and is proactive about trying to live the best possible lifestyle with it. This thyroid series will serve as a means to get acquainted with your thyroid, potentially diagnose yourself or simply to learn something new. I am only providing a synopsis of the information. For further information or medical guidance, please consult with a physician.
To differentiate between the two most common thyroid disorders-hypothyroid and hyperthyroid-we first need to partially understand the gland-and by partially, I mean what's coming in and out of it. As with anything pertaining to the body's endocrine system, it's complex and has intimidating words. Nevertheless, understanding how your thyroid operates is necessary for your diagnosis, treatment and, overall wellbeing.
The butterfly-shaped gland is located in the front of the neck, just below the "Adam's apple." It works in conjunction with the pituitary gland to release hormones that control the body's metabolism (your calorie burner). To simplify the process, we will focus on the three hormones the thyroid releases: Thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyronline (T3) and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
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Even though every thyroid is different, it is said that a normal thyroid should produce 80% T4 and 20% T3. Wondering where the "4" and the "3" come from? The thyroid is the only gland that can absorb iodine, which reacts with an amino acid called tyrosine to produce the T3 and T4 hormones. The numbers pertain to the number of iodine molecules in each hormone.
When these three hormones go array, so does the thyroid and subsequently the body.
Hypothyroidism
As discussed in my story, hypothyroid is the condition where your thyroid is being attacked by your immune system and eventually stops releasing the proper hormones. Therefore, it becomes underactive.
Some Symptoms and Side Effects Include:
• Unexplained weight gain
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Low libido
• Memory problems
• Low body temperature
• Slow and/or irregular heartbeat
• Hair loss
• Dry skin
• Yellowish skin
• Puffiness around the eyes and face
• Bloating/Water retention
Hyperthyroidism
With hyperthyroid disease, the thyroid emits too many thyroid hormones. Graves disease, another autoimmune disease, is a primary cause of hyperthyroid.
Some Symptoms and Side Effects Include:
• Rapid weight loss
• Rapid heart beat
• Nervousness and irritability
• Shaky hands
• Often sweaty
• Red and blotchy skin
If thyroid disorders run in the family, and/or a few of the above symptoms sound too familiar, a visit to your doctor with subsequent blood work could save you from something that worsens when left unnoticed.
For Tucson citizens, some local Endocrinologists are:
Griffin Kurt MD
New Pueblo Medicine Pc: Barsony Nora MD
Immune Recovery & Wellness, P.C.
Dr. Hussein N. Yassine, MD
Tucson Endocrine Associates: Alster David K MD
Arizona Community Physician: Garcia Mariali MD
Insel Jonathan R MD
