Our Services / Thyroid Disorder

What is a thyroid disorder?

A thyroid disorder describes a condition that affects your thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland that sits just above your collarbone.

Your thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system and is responsible for making the hormones your body needs to function. These hormones control your heart rate, body temperature, and your metabolism.

Common conditions that affect the health and function of your thyroid include:

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that develops when your thyroid gland makes too many hormones.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when your thyroid gland makes too few hormones.

Goiter

A goiter describes an enlarged thyroid gland.

You can also develop cancer in your thyroid gland if cells divide abnormally and form tumors that affect the function of the gland.

What are common risk factors for a thyroid disorder?

While anyone can develop a thyroid disorder, women are at a higher risk than men.

Other risk factors for thyroid disorders include:

• Family history

• Type 1 diabetes

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Use of medications that are high in iodine

Your age also plays a role in your risk for a thyroid disorder, especially if you’re over 60.

How is a thyroid disorder diagnosed?

Your MIG endocrinology provider performs blood testing to identify thyroid disorders. They can assess your hormone levels through blood testing to determine the cause of unusual symptoms like:

• Hair loss

• Mood swings

• Dry, pale skin

• Chronic fatigue

• Muscle weakness

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Unexplained weight changes

You may also need routine blood testing if you have a family history of a thyroid disorder, even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms.

How is a thyroid disorder treated?

Your treatment plan for a thyroid disorder may involve medications to increase or decrease your body’s production of hormones.

Your MIG endocrinology specialist may also recommend surgery if conservative therapies aren’t working or if you have an enlarged thyroid gland. The goal of surgery is to remove part or all of your thyroid, so it can no longer produce hormones.

After surgery, you need to take replacement hormones for the rest of your life to help your body function properly. You can expect to schedule routine check-ups with your MIG provider to ensure your hormone levels are healthy.

To schedule a consultation to discuss your options for managing a thyroid disorder, contact a Midsouth Independent Group provider today.