AppId is over the quota
Thyroid problems affect over 20 million Americans with approximately two million more having this condition and not know it yet. Under active thyroid can affect anyone, but women tend to have a greater risk for this illness. It also affects people with rheumatoid arthritis, pernicious anemia, vitiligo as well as others.
There are two types of thyroid conditions that occur due to thyroid gland abnormality, overactive thyroid known as hyperthyroidism, or an under active thyroid, or hypothyroidism. Any thyroid abnormality can wreak havoc on a patient's way of life, so it helps to understand the thyroid and its dysfunctions so we can do something about it if you suspect you have a condition.
Hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) occurs when the thyroid lacks sufficient thyroid hormone. Patients with hypothyroidism may notice symptoms of weight gain, depression, fatigue, heart palpitations, insomnia, concentration difficulties, and muscle joint pains, menstrual problems such as frequent and painful periods and in some cases infertility. With this condition having so many common symptoms that occur for any number of diseases, it tend to be undiagnosed for a long time.
To determine if someone has an under active thyroid hormone, or hypothyroidism, their medical provider might suggest doing lab work to determine whether the patient has an elevated level of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) which occur when the pituitary gland continues creating hormone to get the thyroid stimulated. A physician may also request an A1C Test as well because often people with thyroid problems often have diabetes symptoms as well. In fact, some health care providers suggest that TSH levels must be check at least every five years to determine if there are any signs of hypothyroidism for diabetic patients, since diabetic patients may have difficulty with their blood glucose level compounded with other hypothyroidism symptoms and complicate the condition further.
In instances where a patient may suffer from both hypothyroidism and type 2 diabetes they may have to receive thyroid replacement medication to help the thyroid function normal. Without any treatment, a person who has both conditions will have more severe symptoms and could result in death.
People who suffer from hypothyroidism often have many associated symptoms and should seek medical advice from their physician to rule out under active glands. If you, or someone you know shows some of the signs or symptoms listed in this article, have them tested by a medical professional as soon as possible. Once you know what you are dealing with, you will learn what you need to do to fix it.
Dr. Jonathan Berns, D.C. helps people everyday in the Tampa, Florida area overcome the very misunderstood and often mistreated conditions caused from dysfunctional thyroids. Visit Tampa Thyroid Program at Integrative Physical Medicine of Tampa to learn more about thyroid management.
