At the base of your neck is a small, butterfly-shaped organ that produces hormones. The thyroid is an important part of your overall health, and when the delicate balance of hormones is upset, many people start to experience symptoms. Working with a qualified practitioner can help you discover what your thyroid levels are and what to do if they are off.
Thyroid Hormones
The thyroid gland produces two different types of hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The body takes iodine from your food intake and converts it to these hormones. After they are made, they are stored in the body until you need them. Located in the brain, the pituitary gland and hypothalamus help to regulate the thyroid. The hypothalamus releases a hormone called TRH (tyro-triptin releasing hormone) which then stimulates the pituitary gland to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Lab Testing for Thyroid Issues
When running thyroid labs, many doctors will run TSH only and then make a decision on whether or not the person’s thyroid is healthy from there. This really isn’t the best course of action, as the hormones that are directly affecting your health aren’t being measured to give an accurate picture of what’s going on. When running thyroid labs, measuring Free T3, FreeT3, Total T3, Total T4, TPO antibodies, and Reverse T3 levels can be good to help uncover if there is really a thyroid issue.
Thyroid Autoimmune Diseases
There are two types of thyroid autoimmune diseases: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Grave’s Disease. Hashimoto’s Disease is the autoimmune disease of hypothyroidism where the body has an underactive thyroid. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Pale, dry skin
- Hair loss
- Unexplained weight gain
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling in the throat area
In autoimmune disorders, the body mistakenly identifies organs or glands and starts making antibodies towards them. Some doctors think that a virus or bacteria can trigger this response, and some others think a genetic flaw may be involved. Hashimoto’s Disease generally develops over the course of many years. Women are more likely than men to get Hashimoto’s Disease and there is an increased risk if it runs in your family. Radiation exposure can increase the occurrence of Hashimoto’s.
Graves Disease is the autoimmune thyroid disease where the body is generally in hyperthyroidism, when the body is producing too much of the thyroid hormone. Common symptoms include:
- Anxiety and irritability
- Heat sensitivity
- Fatigue
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Sleep Disturbances
- Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat
- Light Sensitivity
The cause of Grave’s Disease is mostly unknown, but doctors and researchers believe it’s due to a malfunction of the immune system. Family history, age, sex, other autoimmune diseases, physical or emotional stress, pregnancy, and smoking can all affect your risk of developing Graves Disease.
Treatment Options
Medications and treatment options are available for thyroid diseases. It’s important to treat thyroid conditions properly, especially if you have Graves Disease, as there can be severe and life-threatening risks that can be dangerous to your health. If you haven’t been feeling up to par or are experiencing symptoms above and suspect there may be an issue with your thyroid, please see a doctor to rule out any issues. Treating thyroid conditions early can be very effective!
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