Thyroid Health: Why You Should Get Your Thyroid Checked

The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of your neck, but don't let its size fool you. This butterfly-shaped gland plays a crucial role in your overall health, influencing metabolism, energy, and even mood. Many people are unaware of how vital a healthy thyroid is until they experience problems. Here’s why checking the thyroid is a priority at FreshRx.

What Does the Thyroid Do?

The thyroid produces hormones that regulate several essential bodily functions, including:

• Metabolism: Thyroid hormones control how the body uses energy, affecting weight, temperature regulation, and energy levels.

• Heart Rate: Proper thyroid function is necessary for maintaining a healthy heart rate and blood pressure.

• Mood and Mental Health: Thyroid hormones influence brain function and mood regulation, impacting everything from concentration to emotional stability.

• Sleep: When thyroid hormones are present in amounts too high or too low, sleep patterns are affected! Sleep is so incredibly important, so when patients are having sleep-related issues, it is important to rule out thyroid abnormalities.

Common Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid issues can manifest in many ways, and they are mostly categorized into two main types:

Hypothyroidism:

Occurs when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism is most often caused by autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, but it can also result from certain medications, radiation therapy, or iodine deficiency.

Symptoms of HYPOthyroidism include:

fatigue, weight gain, depression, and sensitivity to cold.

Hyperthyroidism:

This occurs when the thyroid produces too much hormone. Symptoms include weight loss, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty sleeping. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder.

Symptoms of HYPERthyroidism include:

anxiety, irritability, mood swings, difficulty sleeping, weight loss, tiredness/ weakness, swelling in the neck from an enlarged thyroid gland, and irregular/fast heart rate.

Here is the catch:

People very often experience the above symptoms BEFORE they have developed hypo or hyperthyroidism. It takes a bit more investigation than what is offered in a traditional medical visit to identify subtle thyroid problems. Therefore, mild thyroid conditions are NOT typically treated or even identified. Thyroid problems are most often left alone until an obvious disease process occurs (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism).

If a patient asks their primary care provider for a thyroid evaluation, they will have basic labs drawn. If the basic labs are normal, the patient is told that their problem is not thyroid related. However, this isn't necessarily true!

At FreshRx, we ALWAYS draw a comprehensive hormone panel because we know that when basic labs are normal, there could still be a minor hormone imbalance that haven't progressed far enough yet to alter basic labs, but still cause distressing symptoms.

Why Should You Get Your Thyroid Checked?

Maintaining a healthy thyroid is crucial for overall well-being. It affects energy levels, weight management, mental health, and even your skin and hair health. Ensuring your thyroid is functioning correctly helps you feel your best every day.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms presented above, reach out to FreshRx for a free consultation, we would love to help you!

Your thyroid may be small, but its impact on your health is significant. Thyroid checks are a simple yet essential step in maintaining overall health and well-being. At FreshRx, we are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health through comprehensive and personalized care. Schedule your appointment today and take a proactive step towards a healthier future!