Thyroid disorder

What is a thyroid disorder?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. It produces thyroid hormones that regulate your body's energy use, known as metabolism. A thyroid disorder occurs when the gland produces too much or too little of these essential hormones.

Some common types of thyroid disorders include:

• Hypothyroidism - When the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and more. It typically develops gradually over years.


• Hyperthyroidism - Also called overactive thyroid, this is when the thyroid gland overproduces hormones. Symptoms are opposite of hypothyroidism and include sudden weight loss, rapid heartbeat, etc.


• Thyroid nodules - These are lumps that develop inside the thyroid. Most are noncancerous but some may need to be checked for cancer with a biopsy.


• Thyroid cancer - This starts when healthy thyroid cells change and grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Rates have risen in recent decades. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, etc.


• Thyroiditis - This is inflammation of the thyroid. Types include Hashimoto's disease (most common cause of hypothyroidism) and subacute thyroiditis causing neck pain and fever.

What causes thyroid problems? The exact cause is often unknown but risk factors include:

• Family history


• Radiation exposure


• Low iodine levels


• Being female


• Age over 60 years

Managing thyroid issues starts with blood tests assessing thyroid hormone levels. Typical treatments include thyroid medications like levothyroxine and liothyronine, radioactive iodine therapy to block hormone production, or thyroid surgery.

At Renewed Balance Clinic, our compassionate doctors specialize in holistic thyroid treatment personalized to your unique health needs. We offer cutting-edge testing to accurately diagnose thyroid dysfunction along with natural desiccated thyroid hormones and nutritional therapies to gently restore your vitality. Contact us today to take control of your thyroid health!