An introduction to hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism

January is Thyroid Consciousness Month so we spoke with Dr. Scott McCusker, Ear, Nostril and Throat specialist with Dignity Well being Mercy Medical Group to find out about widespread thyroid illnesses like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. 

What are thyroid illnesses?

“The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland within the entrance of your neck that makes thyroid hormones, that are our primary regulator of metabolism,” says Dr. McCusker. “Thyroid hormones management the way in which your physique makes use of power, so that they have an effect on almost each organ in your physique. The 2 commonest thyroid illnesses are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.”

Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid shouldn’t be making sufficient thyroid hormones, or underneath exercise, whereas hyperthyroidism is the place your thyroid is making an excessive amount of thyroid hormone, or over exercise. 

Almost 5 out of 100 People ages 12 and older have hypothyroidism, and about 1 out of 100 People ages 12 years and older have hyperthyroidism. Girls and folks over the age of 60 usually tend to develop a thyroid illness. 

What are widespread thyroid illness signs?

“We would like the thyroid to secrete sufficient hormones to maintain our metabolism regular. We don’t need it to create too little or an excessive amount of,” says Dr. McCusker. “Nonetheless, a lot of its signs are the identical as these of different illnesses, so make sure you focus on your issues along with your physician or an endocrinologist.” 

Frequent Signs

How are thyroid illnesses recognized?
“A thyroid prognosis can’t be given based mostly on signs alone, says Dr. McCusker. “Your physician could use a number of checks to substantiate the prognosis and discover its trigger together with a bodily examination, blood work, and imaging checks.”

How are thyroid illnesses handled?
“Whereas most thyroid illnesses are continual, or a lifelong medical situation, most sufferers can enhance their high quality of life with correct therapy,” says Dr. McCusker.

As thyroid illness varies from individual to individual, the method to therapy additionally varies. 

With hypothyroidism, usually, treatment is used to interchange the hormones that your thyroid can now not make. Your physician will monitor your blood and modify as wanted till the correct dose has been decided. When you begin taking treatment, it’s doubtless that you’ll want to proceed taking treatment for all times. 

With hyperthyroidism, there isn’t a single therapy that works for everybody, as therapy will rely upon what’s inflicting your hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is commonly handled with drugs or surgical procedure to take away half, or most of, the thyroid gland. Like hypothyroidism, when you begin taking treatment, it’s doubtless that you’ll want to proceed taking treatment for all times.

Key Takeaway
Thyroid illness signs can negatively impression your high quality of life, however with the correct therapy and plan of care, individuals can stay a standard life.

When you suspect you could have a thyroid illness, schedule an appointment along with your major care doctor. Our “Discover a Physician” device might help you discover a Dignity Well being doctor close to you.