Thyroid Disorder

A thyroid disorder can cause unwanted changes in everything from your body temperature to your weight and mood. At Advantage Primary Care in Richmond, Virginia, the team of dedicated medical providers offer comprehensive thyroid disorder care in the office. If you need testing, monitoring, or treatment, don’t hesitate to call the office or click on the online scheduler now. 

What is a thyroid disorder?

Thyroid disorders happen when your body under- or over-produces thyroid hormones. Your thyroid gland — a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck — is part of your endocrine system. 

The gland produces hormones that regulate many body functions, particularly your metabolism. When you have a thyroid disorder, aspects of metabolism, like heart rate and how fast you burn calories, are affected.

What are the types of thyroid disorders?

The most common thyroid disorders include: 

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland underperforms. It’s the most common thyroid disorder, affecting nearly 5 in 100 Americans over the age of 12. Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms, such as weight gain, cold sensitivity, memory problems, hair loss, and chronic fatigue.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism happens when your thyroid gland overperforms. It causes symptoms, such as weight loss, racing heart, difficulty focusing, insomnia, and nervousness or fidgeting.

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause unpleasant symptoms that disrupt your life, but fortunately, both are treatable. 

How are thyroid disorders diagnosed?

The Advantage Primary Care team generally evaluates your symptoms, palpates your neck to check for thyroid gland swelling, and performs blood testing in the in-house lab to diagnose thyroid disorders. You may also need an imaging test like an ultrasound. 

How are thyroid disorders treated?

Treatment depends on the thyroid disorder you have, your thyroid hormone levels, and your symptoms. 

Hypothyroidism treatment

Hypothyroidism responds to thyroid hormone replacement, which you typically take as a daily oral medication. You need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication consistently to prevent problems from recurring. 

In addition, Advantage Primary Care offers laser treatment for hair loss, which can help you regrow hair lost to hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism treatment

Hyperthyroidism treatment usually starts with medications that prevent thyroid hormone production. You may also need beta-blocker medications to relieve symptoms. 

Another treatment option is radioactive iodine treatment to inhibit hormone overproduction. 

Finally, surgical thyroid gland removal (thyroidectomy) is a permanent solution for hyperthyroidism. However, after thyroid gland removal, you’ll develop hypothyroidism. So, you must take thyroid hormone replacements. 

Thyroid disease can drag you down and lead to poor quality of life, but you don’t have to accept it. Advantage Primary Care is ready to compassionately support you through thyroid disease treatment, so call the office or book your appointment online today.