The thyroid is a small gland that’s located at the base of the neck. An important part of the endocrine system, it’s responsible for producing hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. When the thyroid is working as it should, the amount of hormones necessary for the body’s metabolism to function properly is maintained with the pituitary gland constantly monitoring the supply of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. As a thyroid specialist in Orlando, Dr. Faria of the Cellular Health Institute has helped many in Orlando with their thyroid dysfunction.

What is Thyroid Dysfunction?

Thyroid dysfunction occurs when the thyroid produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little hormone (hypothyroidism):

Hyperthyroidism results in the body using energy more quickly than it should. Common symptoms include:

• Irritability and nervousness
• Muscle weakness and/or tremors
• Heat sensitivity
• Infrequent or very light menstrual periods
• Weight loss
• Sleep difficulty
• Vision problems

Hypothyroidism results in the body to using energy more slowly than it should. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Forgetfulness
• Cold intolerance
• Frequent or very heavy menstrual periods
• Weight gain
• Dry and coarse skin and hair
• Hoarse voice

Causes of Thyroid Dysfunction

There are various causes of hyperthyroidism. Some of the most common include Graves’ disease, toxic nodular goiter, and thyroiditis, all of which result in increased thyroid hormone levels. Secondary hyperthyroidism is caused when the pituitary gland makes too much thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), leading to constant stimulation of the thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, often results from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the body produces antibodies that destroy parts of the thyroid gland. Certain medications, pituitary issues, and problems with the hypothalamus can also cause hypothyroidism.

Treatment of Thyroid Dysfunction

Thyroid disease can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are easily confused with other conditions. However, when a comprehensive and personalized approach is taken to determine the root cause, health can be restored.

Although thyroid disorders are life-long conditions, they’re manageable with, and extremely responsive to, strategic lifestyle and dietary changes. For more information on how thyroid specialist in Orlando, Cellular Health Institute, can help with your thyroid problem, please call (407) 862-2287, or you contact us online.