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About 12% of American adults will experience thyroid dysfunction in their lifetime. If you have unusual symptoms like weight changes, unexplained anxiety, or persistent fatigue, you can undergo diagnostic testing at HOOT HRT to evaluate the health of your thyroid gland. D. John Cash, MD, and Joe Hamm, PA-C, have extensive experience managing hypothyroidism and other thyroid conditions. The team uses the latest treatments to relieve your existing symptoms and preserve your long-term health. Call the San Antonio, Texas, office today to schedule a thyroid dysfunction evaluation or book an appointment online.
What causes thyroid dysfunction?
Thyroid dysfunction occurs when the thyroid gland produces too many or too few of the hormones the body needs. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate many of the body’s functions, including digestion, mood, heart rate, and breathing.
Common types of thyroid disorders the HOOT HRT team diagnoses and treats include:
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones. It can be caused by an iodine deficiency, autoimmune disease, or the use of certain medications.
What are the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction?
Because hormones regulate many of the body’s systems, gland dysfunction can produce symptoms that range from mild to life-altering.
When your thyroid gland isn’t producing enough hormones, you might experience:
Physical Issues
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy.
- Weight Gain: Unexplained weight gain despite no significant changes in diet or exercise.
- Cold Intolerance: Increased sensitivity to cold temperatures.
- Dry Skin and Hair: Skin becomes dry and flaky; hair may become brittle and fall out.
- Muscle Weakness: General muscle weakness and aches.
- Joint Pain: Stiffness and pain in the joints.
- Constipation: Slowed digestion leading to constipation.
- Swelling: Puffiness in the face, especially around the eyes, and swelling in the extremities.
- Hoarseness: Changes in voice, such as hoarseness.
- Slow Heart Rate: Bradycardia or a slower than normal heart rate.
Emotional and Psychological Issues
- Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and depression are common.
- Anxiety: Increased anxiety and nervousness.
- Irritability: Irritability and mood swings.
- Cognitive Impairment: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and brain fog.
- Low Motivation: Reduced drive and enthusiasm for daily activities.
Hormonal Issues
- Menstrual Irregularities: Heavy, irregular, or prolonged menstrual periods in women.
- Infertility: Difficulty in conceiving due to hormonal imbalances.
- Low Libido: Reduced sexual desire and function.
- High Cholesterol: Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol due to slowed metabolism.
Other Symptoms
- Goiter: Enlargement of the thyroid gland causing a visible swelling in the neck.
- Decreased Sweating: Reduced ability to sweat, leading to dry skin.
- Thinning Eyebrows: Loss of hair, particularly in the outer third of the eyebrows
Excessive hormone levels can cause anxiousness, irritability, weight loss, and increased sensitivity to heat. If the thyroid gland enlarges, you can also develop a noticeable goiter in your neck.
HOOT HRT offers blood testing onsite to evaluate your hormone levels and check for autoimmune disease and other conditions that interfere with healthy thyroid function.
How is thyroid dysfunction treated?
HOOT HRT provides comprehensive care for thyroid dysfunction. The experienced providers focus on relieving your symptoms and rebalancing your hormone levels.
When your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones, the team can prescribe supplemental hormones to restore balance in your natural levels. They also offer resources you can use to improve your overall health, improve your energy levels, and protect your cardiovascular health.
Call HOOT HRT today to schedule an evaluation for symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. You can also use the online booking feature to schedule an appointment.