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A Thyroid Condition Can Be the Cause of Fatigue and Other Symptoms
 If you’ve been experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss or gain, or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, it may be time to have your thyroid checked.
The Thyroid – Critical to Your Health
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located in your neck, above your collarbone. It is an endocrine gland which means it produces hormones. The thyroid gland is critical to your health because the hormones it produces regulate your metabolism, the rate at which your body burns the energy it gets from food.
The two main hormones produced by the thyroid are thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3). They maintain the rate at which your body uses carbohydrates and fats and help control your body temperature and heart rate.
The thyroid works with the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, an area at the base of your brain, to control the rate at which T-4 and T-3 are released.
The hypothalamus sends a signal to your pituitary gland to make the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The amount of TSH your pituitary gland releases depends on how much T-4 and T-3 are in your blood. The level of hormones your thyroid produces depends on the amount of TSH it receives.When your thyroid produces too little or too much of its hormones, your body uses energy more slowly or quickly than it should.
Symptoms of Underactive Thyroid
If the thyroid is underactive, it is not producing enough hormones and this slows the rate the body uses energy. This is called hypothyroidism, and is the most common thyroid disorder.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism can vary, depending on how severe the hormone deficiency. The condition tends to develop slowly and it can take years before it causes noticeable symptoms. Even once symptoms develop, they are often attributed to aging or other medical issues.
The most common symptoms are fatigue, weight gain and sensitivity to the cold. Other signs of hypothyroidism can include: unexplained weight gain, dry skin, a hoarse voice and muscle or joint pain.
Signs of Overactive Thyroid
If the thyroid is too active, a condition called hyperthyroidism, it produces more of the hormone thyroxine than needed. This imbalance can speed up your heart rate, cause weight loss and make you sensitive to heat. It can also cause sweating, irritability and nervousness, fatigue and muscle weakness and other symptoms.
How Thyroid Conditions are Diagnosed
 If you suspect an over- or underactive thyroid, see your primary physician for a physical exam and to discuss your symptoms and medical history.
Thyroid conditions can be confirmed with simple blood tests. The TSH test is so sensitive physicians often use it first to diagnose a thyroid condition and then follow up with a thyroid hormone level check.
A high level of TSH and a low level of T4 indicate an underactive thyroid.
Low or zero levels of TSH and high levels of T4, indicate an underactive thyroid. If the diagnosis is hyperthyroidism, the doctor will likely order further tests to determine the cause of the condition.
Treatment Options
Hypothyroidism is usually treated with synthetic thyroid hormones. These are oral medications taken daily. It can take awhile to determine the proper dosage, but once established, people usually see a difference in how they feel within weeks.
Several treatment options are available for hyperthyroidism. Doctors prescribe anti-thyroid medications and radioactive iodine to slow the production of the hormones. In some serious cases, surgery to remove part of the thyroid gland is recommended.
Although thyroid conditions can become serious, most people respond once diagnosed and treated and begin to feel better within weeks. |
