5 Facts About Thyroid Disease

Have you ever wondered what your thyroid does? If so, you’re among many who don’t wholly understand the thyroid and its function in the body’s well-being. While it seems insignificant compared to the heart or the stomach, this little butterfly-shaped part of the body regulates metabolism, energy levels, mood, cognitive function, and more. It also releases important hormones, including triiodothyronine and thyroxine.

Therefore, despite its small size, the thyroid gland maintains the body’s delicate balance. You might not even notice it’s there when it’s working correctly. But when it’s not, the effects can be far-reaching, leading to conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Whether you’re concerned you might have a thyroid problem, have a family history of thyroid disease, or just want to learn more about your health, it’s important to understand the thyroid and its purpose.

#1 Most people with thyroid disease don’t know they have it.

Thyroid disease affects millions of people worldwide, with an estimated 20 million Americans suffering from some form of thyroid disorder – according to statistics from the American Thyroid Association (ATA). What’s more alarming is that up to 60% of these individuals are unaware of their condition. Symptoms can mimic those of other conditions, so it’s often challenging to pinpoint where things like fatigue, mood swings, irregular heartbeat, weight loss or gain, or sleeping difficulties are coming from.

This lack of awareness can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, exacerbating symptoms and potentially causing long-term damage. Fortunately, with proper diagnosis and treatment, many people with thyroid disease can manage their condition and lead healthy, active lives.

#2 Thyroid problems are more common in men than in women.

Regardless of age or gender, anyone can be affected by thyroid disease. However, women are disproportionately impacted, with 1 in 8 developing issues, according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA). Women between 50 and 60 years old are particularly vulnerable due to the hormonal fluctuations that accompany menopause and aging. Yet, younger women are also susceptible. An imbalance can trigger a range of changes in the female body, including (but not limited to):

• Pregnancy complications such as low birth weight, preeclampsia, anemia, impaired brain development, or increased heart rate
• Higher risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and stillbirth
• More severe morning sickness during pregnancy
• Increased prolactin production, leading to difficulty breastfeeding or ovulating
• Early onset menopause (typically around age 40)
• Amenorrhea, heavy or irregular menstrual cycles
• Unexplained weight gain, inflammation, or fatigue

However, just because women with thyroid disease have a higher risk for these changes, doesn’t mean infertility or pregnancy complications are guaranteed.

#3 There are different types of thyroid disease.

Thyroid disease is a broad term covering several conditions, each with different symptoms and treatment methods. However, as we mentioned earlier, some of the effects of a non-working thyroid can overlap with other conditions; this also applies to the different kidneys of thyroid diseases. Here’s a brief overview of the three types:

Hypothyroidism

Imagine always feeling tired, no matter how much rest you get. Your skin is dry, your hair is brittle, and you’ve noticed you’ve gained some weight. These are just a few symptoms of hypothyroidism, where your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones.

Hyperthyroidism

On the other hand, you might experience weight loss, a rapid heartbeat, and feelings of anxiety or irritability. These symptoms can be overwhelming and are often associated with hyperthyroidism, where your thyroid gland produces too many thyroid hormones.

Thyroid Nodules

Sometimes, abnormal growths can develop on and around the thyroid gland. These thyroid nodules can be benign (non-cancerous) or cancerous growths. In some cases, they may not cause any symptoms at all, while in others, they can lead to problems swallowing and breathing or even affect the production of thyroid hormones.

#4 Many different genetic and lifestyle factors can cause thyroid disease.

From genetics to everyday habits, a complex mix of factors can increase your risk of developing thyroid disease. For example, having a family history of thyroid problems, especially in first-degree relatives like parents or siblings, can significantly raise your risk. Certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome or Turner syndrome, can also increase your susceptibility.

Autoimmune diseases are also one of the leading contributors to an overactive or underactive thyroid. Hashimoto’s disease is where the body attacks the immune system because it mistakes it for something harmful, which inflames and disrupts the thyroid gland’s hormone production (hypothyroidism). On the other hand, Grave’s disease does the opposite – it creates too many hormones and leads to hyperthyroidism.

Other, more nuanced scenarios like exposure to radiation, especially in childhood, and certain medications like lithium and amiodarone can also contribute to thyroid disease. Notably, the cause of thyroid cancer, which is different than thyroid disease, is unknown.

#5 It’s possible to manage thyroid disease with the appropriate treatment plan.

Living with thyroid disease doesn’t mean you’re stuck with its symptoms forever. While there’s no cure, various treatments can help you manage your condition and regain control over your life. Here are some effective ways to tackle thyroid disease.

Medication

Thyroid hormone replacement medication can help regulate your thyroid hormone levels. This is usually the first line of treatment, and it’s often taken daily to replace the hormones your thyroid gland can’t produce. Examples include:

• Levothyroxine, a commonly prescribed hormone replacement medication for hypothyroidism
• Anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole that stop the thyroid from overproducing hormones

Surgery

In some cases, surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland may be necessary. This is usually recommended if you have a large goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), thyroid cancer, or if medication isn’t effective.

Lifestyle Changes

Making healthy lifestyle choices can help alleviate symptoms. Focus on eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and incorporating 30 minutes of moderate exercise into your routine every few days. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, like seeing a mental health therapist or learning meditation or deep breathing exercises, is a strategy for managing thyroid disease symptoms and leading an overall healthy lifestyle.

At Balance Psychiatric Services, we know that mental and physical health are one and the same. When one is taken care of, the other one will flourish. Schedule an appointment with one of our nurse practitioners to begin taking steps toward fixing your suspected thyroid problems and any other health concerns you might have. We can’t wait to meet with you!