What is the thyroid?

Your thyroid is one of many glands in your body that produce hormones. It’s located on the lower front part of your neck and is shaped like a butterfly’s wings.

Hormones help different parts of your body communicate with each other and regulate your functioning. Your thyroid produces hormones that help control your body’s metabolism, or how it converts nutrients into energy that you can use to move and think.

There are many ways in which your thyroid can malfunction and affect your metabolism. The team at Morgan Hill Internal Medicine can diagnose your thyroid problem and find an effective treatment for it.

What are thyroid problems?

Thyroid problems are issues with the way your thyroid secretes hormones. It might produce too many or not enough for normal functioning. Common thyroid problems are:

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is the result of an overactive thyroid gland. Having too many thyroid hormones results in symptoms like muscle weakness, thin skin, brittle nails, anxiety, restlessness, and weight loss.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the result of an underactive thyroid gland that doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, depression, weakness, and memory problems.

Hashimoto’s disease

Hashimoto’s disease is a common cause of hypothyroidism. It causes your immune system to attack your thyroid and stop it from secreting hormones.

Graves’ disease

Graves’ disease is a common cause of hyperthyroidism. It causes your immune system to attack your thyroid, which causes your thyroid to produce more hormones than normal.

How are thyroid problems treated?

At Morgan Hill Internal Medicine, the team evaluates your condition to determine the best possible course of treatment. They test your blood to find out the kind of thyroid problem that you have. For hyperthyroidism, they might recommend:

• Radioactive iodine treatment
• Anti-thyroid medication
• Surgery to remove part of your thyroid

For hypothyroidism, treatment usually involves taking artificial thyroid hormones to replace those that your body doesn’t produce. If you have negative side effects from your hormone treatment, the team at Morgan Hill Internal Medicine can adjust your dosage.

To find out more about thyroid problems and how to manage them, call Morgan Hill Internal Medicine, or book an appointment online today.