Are you having thyroid symptoms, despite being on thyroid medication?

Some 20 million Americans are affected by thyroid disorders….that’s 1 in 13 people… 1 in 8 for women.

More than half of those people are unaware that they even have a thyroid problem!  That’s a problem because the thyroid gland affects so many of your vital systems.  Your metabolism. Your mood.  And even more concerning, thyroid problems can be an early indicator of more severe chronic illnesses down the road. You want to deal with the root cause of your thyroid problems as quickly as possible!

We don’t just treat your thyroid symptoms, we take a science-based approach to heal the root cause of your thyroid disorder.

We begin with a physical exam, metabolic testing and blood work to pinpoint the source of your thyroid dysfunction. Our blood panels are more sensitive and more comprehensive than the blood work you get done by your regular doctor. Our tests include a:

  • Thyroid panel
  • CMP (Complete Metabolic Panel)
  • Lipid panel
  • CBC (Complete Blood Chemistry with auto differential)

We’re one of the only clinics in Madison able to deal with the true causes of thyroid disorders and their symptoms. Once the underlying source of the problem is determined, we can use a custom treatment plan that is designed to alleviate your specific problem.

What are the most common thyroid disorders?

The 3 most common thyroid disorders can be defined as followed:

  • Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland, which isn’t producing enough thyroid hormone.
  • Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid gland, which is producing too much thyroid hormone.
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and possibly leading to hypothyroidism.

Each type of thyroid dysfunction can cause a variety of symptoms. For many people, the symptoms are so minor they go unnoticed, while for others the symptoms disrupt their ability to live a healthy life.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland, does not produce enough thyroid hormones, resulting in a slow metabolism, causing issues like:

  • Fatigue, tiredness, or sluggishness
  • Cold feet and/or hands
  • Needing excessive amounts of sleep
  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  • Difficult or infrequent bowel movements
  • Depression or irritability
  • Lack of motivation
  • Decreased libido
  • Morning headaches that fade throughout the day
  • Thinning hair or excessive hair loss
  • Dry skin and/or scalp
  • Memory loss
  • Muscle cramps and aches

If you’re a hypothyroid patient, you may be experiencing a combination of symptoms, one main symptom, or no symptoms.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

One cause of hypothyroidism is damage to cells in the thyroid due to inflammation, preventing the gland from producing the appropriate amount of hormones. Most often, the inflammation is the result of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Medical treatments can also cause hypothyroidism. For example, surgery for thyroid cancer may require the removal of part or all of the thyroid.  In rare cases, a person with a healthy thyroid may have hypothyroidism due to a problem with the pituitary gland.

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones and leads to its own set of symptoms:

  • Heart palpitations
  • Inward trembling
  • Increased pulse (even at rest)
  • Sudden weight loss or difficulty gaining weight
  • Nervousness, anxiety, and mood swings
  • Insomnia
  • Night sweats
  • Weakness
  • Dry skin
  • More frequent bowel movements

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

The most common cause of hyperthyroid disorder is Graves’ disease, an auto immune disorder causing too much thyroid hormone production. Other conditions, including Plummer’s disease (toxic multinodular goiter), toxic adenoma, and thyroiditis, can lead to hyperthyroidism, as well as consuming too much iodine from food, supplements, or medications. Hyperthyroidism in women can also develop during pregnancy or within a year after childbirth.

Signs and Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which your immune system attacks your thyroid gland. This disorder can lead to hypothyroidism and result in some or all the symptoms of hypothyroidism, as well as:

  • A goiter (enlargement of the thyroid)
  • Paleness or swelling in the face
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Constipation
  • Difficulty getting warm
  • Fertility problems
  • Irregular or heavy menstruation
  • Slowed heart rate

Causes of Hashimoto’s Disease

The cause of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is not fully understood. Some doctors and scientists think a virus or bacterium may cause the immune system to attack the thyroid gland, while others believe it is a genetic flaw. Whatever the cause, certain risk factors make a person more likely to develop Hashimoto’s:

  • Female
  • Middle aged
  • Has other autoimmune disorders
  • Family members have thyroid or autoimmune diseases

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