Some information provided by the American Thyroid Association.
The thyroid gland produces hormones which are crucial in regulating many bodily functions, including basic metabolism. Thyroid function is also greatly influenced by the status of the adrenal glands. Thyroid disease is very broadly classified into two types: Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism results from too little circulating thyroid hormones and is characterized by fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression, hair loss, and mental or memory impairment.
Hypothyroidism can’t be cured. But in almost every patient, hypothyroidism can be completely controlled. It is treated by replacing the amount of hormone that your own thyroid can no longer make, to bring your T4 and TSH back to normal levels. So even if your thyroid gland can’t work right, T4 replacement can restore your body’s thyroid hormone levels and your body’s function. Synthetic thyroxine pills contain hormone exactly like the T4 that the thyroid gland itself makes. All hypothyroid patients except those with severe myxedema (life-threatening hypothyroidism) can be treated as outpatients, not having to be admitted to the hospital.
Hyperthyroidism
Too much thyroid hormone results in hyperthyroidism which can cause nervousness, irritability, weight loss, frequency of bowel movement, impaired fertility, fatigue, muscle weakness, poor appetite, and menstrual disturbances.
No single treatment is best for all patients with hyperthyroidism. The appropriate choice of treatment will be influenced by your age, the type of hyperthyroidism that you have, the severity of your hyperthyroidism, other medical conditions that may be affecting your health, and your own preference. It may be a good idea to consult with an endocrinologist who is experienced in the treatment of hyperthyroid patients. If you are unconvinced or unclear about any thyroid treatment plan, a second opinion is a good idea.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
TSH Is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland and whose function is to signal the thyroid gland to make more thyroid hormone. It represents the pituitary’s need or desire for more or less thyroid hormone. An optimal value of TSH means the thyroid hormone levels match the body’s energy needs and/or ability to utilize the energy.
It is important to recognize that the normal range given on your lab report is very wide. For your test result to be out of range indicates a large change has occurred. Although still considered normal, a test result very high or low within the normal range is still indicative of a large change. The Free T3 and the Free T4 thyroid tests are recommended as follow-up tests.
Finally…
Better health is critical to happiness and well-being. It also makes an important contribution to your job, as healthy people have been proven to live longer and are more productive. All of your organs have an important role to play in making you the healthiest and happiest version of yourself.
No matter how old a person is or what kind of diet and exercise pattern he or she follows, it’s possible to make adjustments and improve their health. Contact us for questions or to schedule an appointment.
