The thyroid gland takes iodine from foods and turns it into the hormones that regulate metabolism (converting oxygen and calories to energy). This is a very important body part, but it can also become unbalanced.
The risk of thyroid disorders, especially autoimmune ones, increases with age. If you have thyroid symptoms, you should visit a specialist to evaluate them.
You’re Experiencing Symptoms
If you’re having any symptoms of thyroid disease, it’s important to see your doctor. The thyroid is an integral part of your endocrine system, and it regulates the hormones that influence how well your body performs.
A physical exam will include a neck check for enlarged glands. The swollen appearance of a goiter can be a sign of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. You can perform a neck check at home by tilting your head back and swallowing, looking for any lumps that move up and down in your throat.
Your GP may refer adults to a Thyroid Specialist Denver, CO if they notice that a lump in the thyroid is growing. Your specialist will consider the results of your blood tests and other tests to make a diagnosis.
You’re Having Weight Gain
The thyroid is an important gland that produces hormones that regulate the rest of your body’s functions, including energy levels, heart rate, digestion, and metabolism. Your weight, appetite, and energy can fluctuate when the thyroid isn’t working properly.
If you are experiencing unexplained and significant weight gain, seeing a specialist may be a good idea. A healthcare provider who is open-minded to the possibility of other factors contributing to your weight gain and willing to work with you to find a solution can make all the difference.
If your healthcare provider notices an enlarged thyroid or goiter, it’s important to have her examine the gland. A thyroid scan can help your physician determine if the enlargement is due to thyroid nodules or mass and whether or not you need to be seen by an endocrinologist. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, then there is no harm in scheduling an appointment.
You’re Experiencing Fatigue
When you feel physically exhausted, it can often be a sign that your thyroid hormones are off. This can happen if you have hyperthyroidism, in which the thyroid makes too much thyroid hormone, or hypothyroidism, in which the gland doesn’t make enough.
Getting plenty of high-quality sleep can help combat fatigue caused by your thyroid. Make sure you’re getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night, going to bed at the same time each night, waking up at the same time each morning, and sleeping in a dark, cool, and quiet location.
Additionally, it would help if you ate a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid sugary foods, as they can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb replacement hormones.
You’re Experiencing Emotional Distress
The thyroid gland is a complex body part with various side effects. Distress often indicates that your thyroid isn’t functioning correctly and requires further testing.
It’s common for people to chalk up their thyroid symptoms — like fatigue and sleep issues — to general life stress, but they could be signs of an untreated thyroid disorder. Over time, those symptoms can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and osteoporosis.
Managing emotional distress can help reduce your risk of having thyroid issues in the future. Regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and sleeping well each night can all help manage anxiety and stress levels. Talking to a mental health professional can also be helpful if you’re feeling especially distressed.
You’re Experiencing Depression
The thyroid produces hormones that affect every cell in the body. It determines how fast your heart beats and how much energy you use. It also contributes to how your hair grows and how quickly food passes through your digestive tract.
Many GPs will run general thyroid tests as part of your preventative health screening. If you have an abnormal result, they’ll refer you to a specialist, known as an endocrinologist.
The vast majority of thyroid nodules are cystic and not cancerous, Dr Fahey explains. However, if a nodule is solid or larger than two centimeters, it must be evaluated by ultrasound and possibly a fine needle biopsy to confirm whether it’s benign. A nodule taking up radioactive iodine will also need to be tested.