Have you been feeling down and tired or nervous for no reason? Have you been losing weight or gaining weight sporadically even though there’s no change in your diet? Or maybe you’ve noticed that you’re overly sensitive to cold or heat?
If you have answered yes to any of these questions, your thyroid gland might be to blame. If you have hyperthyroidism, the overly active thyroid gland in the neck is producing too much thyroxine hormone – making you feel hungry, nervous, have heart palpitations, and feel sensitive to heat. Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, will make you feel tired, weak, stiff, puffy, and sensitive to cold.
Making sure that you get the right treatment from an endocrinologist is important in order to avoid health problems from developing, especially among women.
What Does the Thyroid Do?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It sits below the Adam’s apple and in front of the windpipe, and it produces hormones that help control and maintain various important bodily functions.
It plays a vital role in managing how energy is used by the body. The main hormone being produced by this gland is thyroxine, which influences metabolism, growth, development, and body temperature.
Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism
If you have a thyroid disorder, it can disrupt the production of hormones. This can lead to various health issues and a wide array of symptoms. Two of the most common thyroid disorders are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism:
What Is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. The thyroid gland’s ability to make hormones slows down, which also slows down your metabolism.
It is common for those with this thyroid disorder to experience erratic and sporadic weight gain. Various symptoms accompany this thyroid condition, which include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Depression
- Hoarseness
- Puffy face
- Irregular menstrual period
- Enlarged goiter in the neck
What Is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Because it produces hormones very quickly, your metabolism becomes fast – which may result in unexplained weight loss and heart palpitations.
Since hyperthyroidism can have similar signs with other diseases, it may be difficult for doctors to diagnose it immediately. But here are some of the signs of hyperthyroidism:
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Heart palpitations
- Unusual sweating
- Changes in menstrual pattern
- Tremors
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Change in bowel patterns
- Increased appetite
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can lead to serious diseases when left undiagnosed and untreated. However, with early diagnosis, the condition can be easily managed. Various treatments can help in normalizing the production of hormones.
Endocrinology in Miami Beach
At the medical offices of Dr. Alexander Lurie, our medical team is devoted to diagnosing and treating adult endocrinology disorders. We can help you understand your condition and the various treatment options so you and Dr. Lurie can make an informed decision that will work for you.
Book an appointment today by contacting us at (305) 456-4840 or you may fill out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to seeing you and helping you feel back to normal again!
