Thyroid Treatment

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ that sits in front of the neck and partially wraps around the windpipe. The thyroid gland plays a very important role in regulating the metabolism. Thyroid hormones help the body utilize energy and keep the brain, heart, and muscles working optimally. Symptoms of thyroid issues can be easily misleading and hard to identify the cause because they are such common symptoms. That is why it is important to seek medical testing if you find yourself experiencing any of the common symptoms of thyroid trouble.

It’s a new medical model for addressing chronic illness—shifting the traditional acute-care focus of 21st century medical practice to a more patient-centered approach.

Common symptoms include:

Fatigue
Depression
Weight gain
Muscle soreness
Cold intolerance and lowered body temperature
Constipation
High cholesterol
Hair loss, dry skin, and brittle nails
Painful joints

Testing

When testing for thyroid concerns, there are various treatment options that a doctor may conduct. Blood tests are effective for diagnosing hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism by testing the level of hormones in the thyroid. An iodine uptake test is a test for hyperthyroidism that tracks the amount of iodide absorbed by the thyroid gland. Nodule testing works by by testing nodules that appear suddenly, and are typically fluid-filled sacs. They can be examined through the use of an ultrasound, and can identify possible thyroid cancer.

Treatments

There are various treatment options available for people experiencing thyroid concerns.For those with hyperthyroidism, treatment options may include: radioactive iodine treatment, anti-thyroid medication, or surgery. For someone with hypothyroidism, it is required that they continue to take thyroid hormone replacement for the rest of their life because there are no alternatives for boosting the thyroid once it slows down. Functional medicine is also becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of thyroid concerns. These plans include normalizing hormone levels in the thyroid, as well as restoring immune function. Each functional treatment plan is specialized for the individual with the guidance of your healthcare professional.

If you are, or feel you may be, experiencing thyroid abnormalities and would like to get tested and learn more about thyroid treatment options, reach out to our office here at The Metabolic Institute and speak to one of our caring professionals. Contact us today and schedule your consultation!