Here’s What to Know about Your Thyroid

Recently, YouTube fashion blogger Marnie Goldberg talked about her battle with thyroid health. She was struggling with an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. She shared her struggle with her followers, becoming part of a special group of social media icons willing to open up about personal health issues.

That got us thinking about thyroid disease and how important it is for people to understand what is going on in their body. The thyroid is one of those overlooked parts of the body, and if you ask most people what it does, you might get a blank stare.

What’s the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small organ close to your neck that is part of the endocrine system. It helps to regulate hormones, which work with all sorts of bodily functions. That means it could be causing a variety of issues, and it can sometimes be tough to tell that the thyroid is at fault when you start to feel unwell or experience health problems.

Symptoms to Watch for

Let’s talk about some of those symptoms that can be affecting you that could be caused by thyroid issues. These are not necessarily caused by the thyroid malfunction each time you experience one of these, but they could be a sign that your thyroid is being troublesome. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor if you start to experience any of these symptoms and especially if you experience more than one.

Hyperthyroidism can cause an overactive thyroid. The symptoms you should be watching for include:

• Unexpected weight gain
• Tiredness
• Dry skin
• Weakness
• Depressed state
• Constipation

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a bit different and attacks your immune system. Look for these signs of its presence:

• Thinning hair
• Dry hair
• Dry skin
• Puffiness in the face
• Cold intolerance
• Goiter (enlarged thyroid)

Grave’s disease is another medical diagnosis associated with thyroid issues. It’s actually the most common kind of thyroid disease in the US. Look for these indications that you may be suffering from it:

• Trembling hands
• Anxiety attacks
• Insomnia
• Goiter
• Eye bulging
• Heavy sweating

You could also experience growths without symptoms, like goiter or thyroid nodules. These may be apparent by a small bulge on your neck, and while the nodules can sometimes be benign, they can cause health issues as well.

You Should Get Your Thyroid Checked

It’s important that if you notice symptoms like these that you get your thyroid checked. If you suspect there is a thyroid issue, the doctor may not always be able to confirm it right away. Further tests may need to be performed, and usually a follow up exam will be scheduled for three to six months after the first one. This allows the doctor to track the progress of the symptoms and check any changes in the thyroid over that period.

The Test Is Simple

There is nothing complicated or risky about having your thyroid examined. The typical medical test to look for thyroid issues initially will be a finger prick test. A small amount of blood will be used to take a sample and then tested for abnormalities. The results from the test can help doctors reach a diagnosis, but further testing may be required. You don’t have to undergo any major tests at first, though, and the preliminary test is very simple and quick. You can schedule a test or find out more by visiting https://drdennischua.com/

ENTs Can Tell You More

Who do you talk to about a thyroid problem, suspected or confirmed? Usually, your first visit should be to an ENT specialist. They may send you to a more specialized physician after initial testing, like an endocrinologist. However, that first visit will tell you a lot about your condition and may help the doctor to find a different source for your symptoms than the thyroid.

Each individual is unique, so your treatment plan may be different from someone else’s. Make sure you get tested when you think you might have symptoms, though. Don’t wait for another fashion blogger to speak about thyroid heath before you do something. You can catch this problem early on and get answers that can help you.