Thyroid Disorders

Do you know what your thyroid is? It's that little butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, just below the Adam's apple. Not everyone knows what it's up to!

So, here's the scoop: the thyroid gland is like a little hormone factory in your body. It churns out thyroid hormones, which help keep your metabolism in check. Think of it like your body's engine regulator.

Now, sometimes this gland can go a bit haywire. It might start producing too much or too little of those hormones. That's when problems like overactivity or underactivity can pop up. It just goes to show, even the tiniest parts of our bodies can have a big impact!

There are a number of thyroid disorders that can affect your quality of life. These include:

• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothyroidism
• Graves’ disease
• Hashimoto’s disease
• Postpartum Thyroiditis

Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism. Essentially, your immune system attacks your thyroid gland, causing hyperthyroidism (your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone). It’s the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States and affects about 1 in 200 people.

There are many symptoms of Graves’ disease, including:

• Anxiety and irritability
• A tremor of the hands or fingers
• Heat sensitivity and an increase in perspiration or warm, moist skin
• Weight loss, despite normal eating habits
• Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter)
• Change in menstrual cycles
• Erectile dysfunction or reduced libido
• Frequent bowel movements
• Bulging eyes (Graves’ ophthalmopathy)
• Fatigue
• Thick, red skin usually on the shins or tops of the feet (Graves’ dermopathy)
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Sleep disturbance (insomnia)

There are many possible causes of Graves’ disease, including your age, your sex, a family history of the disease, or even stress. Pregnancy and smoking can also cause Graves’ disease.

Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hypothyroidism, where your thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Some of the symptoms of Hashitmoto’s disease include:

• fatigue
• weight gain
• trouble tolerating cold
• joint and muscle pain
• constipation
• dry, thinning hair
• heavy or irregular menstrual periods
• problems becoming pregnant
• depression
• memory problems
• a slowed heart rate
• pale, dry skin
• muscle aches, tenderness, stiffness, and weakness

Hashimoto’s disease may be treatable through hormone replacement therapy.

The causes of Hashtimoto’s disease are not clear, but it’s likely that there’s a genetic component that is set off by something, like a virus.

Risk factors include:

• Sex
• Age
• Heredity
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Type 1 diabetes
• Lupus
• Radiation exposure

Hashimoto’s disease can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including heart problems, mental health issues, and even Myxedema, which is a serious lethargy that’s followed by unconsciousness, requiring immediate medical attention.

Learn More About how Hormone Replacement Therapy can help your Thyroid Disorder

Alright, let's delve a little deeper into something that could really make a difference in managing your thyroid disorder – hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

So, here's the lowdown: When your thyroid isn't functioning at its best, it can throw your whole body out of whack. That's where HRT comes in – it's like giving your thyroid a little extra support to get back on track.

Now, we're not talking about a one-size-fits-all solution here. HRT is tailored to fit your specific needs, helping to balance out those pesky hormone levels that are causing all the trouble. Whether it's hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or something in between, HRT could be just the ticket to help you feel more like yourself again.

But hey, we get it – the idea of hormone therapy might sound a bit daunting at first. That's why we're here to break it down for you, answer any questions you might have, and help you make the best decision for your health.

So, if you're ready to take the next step in managing your thyroid disorder, why not explore the world of hormone replacement therapy with us? Trust us, your thyroid – and your body – will thank you for it.

Contact us today to learn more.

Available in Minnetonka, Woodbury, and serving surrounding areas of Eagen, Edina, Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Minneapolis, St Paul, Plymouth, Blaine, and all across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota.