Untreated thyroid issues can lead to significantly more serious health concerns, so it’s essential to take action as soon as you notice the signs of thyroid imbalance. But how can you tell if you have a thyroid problem, and what should you do next if you do? Keep reading to find out!
Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the throat responsible for many crucial functions that impact the entire body. The hormones released by the thyroid help to regulate digestion, body temperature, heart rate, metabolism, and much more. An imbalance occurs when the thyroid produces too little or not enough of these hormones. Hypothyroidism is the diagnosis of an overactive thyroid, and on the other hand, hyperthyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid.
So, who can be affected by thyroid problems? Women are much more likely to experience thyroid disease, and those who have a family history of thyroid disease, have another condition such as Type 1 diabetes, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, take a high-iodine medication, or are over 60 years old can be at greater risk.
Signs of Thyroid Imbalance
There are many reasons why people suffer from thyroid issues, whether it’s due to conditions such as Grave’s Disease and Hashimoto’s to Thyroiditis and thyroid nodules. It’s not uncommon to have a thyroid imbalance and not even realize it! Some of these symptoms can be unnoticeable or easily brushed off, but they will build up over time and become increasingly impossible to ignore.
Hypothyroidism Symptoms:
- Weight gain
- Voice hoarseness
- Muscle aches, stiffness
-Puffy, swollen face - Dry skin and coarse hair
- Forgetfulness, tiredness
- Intolerance to cold temperatures
- Frequent and/or heavy menstrual cycle
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms:
- Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Rapid heart rate
- Heat sensitivity
- Fine, brittle hair
- Hand tremors
- Muscle weakness
- Chronic fatigue
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
If you are experiencing any of these signs of thyroid imbalance, it’s time to talk to your doctor. They can perform certain blood and hormone tests to determine what type of thyroid dysfunction you have. From there, our expert pharmacy team can coordinate with you and your doctor to find the best solution, from medication and hormone therapy to supplements and lifestyle changes.
Treatment Options at Houck Pharmacy
You can come to our Iowa compounding pharmacy and receive tailor-made medications to help with your thyroid symptoms. Thyroid hormone therapy is a treatment that often requires customized doses, and we can easily make a unique strength for your exact treatment plan. Commercially available forms of thyroid hormones can also include fillers or other ingredients that may be problem-causing, so we can omit them from your personalized compounded medication.
We also provide various high-quality supplement products that can work to support and improve your well-being. You can find trusted brands such as Thorne and Pure Encapsulations in our online supplement store, and our pharmacists are happy to recommend and explain different products according to your specific needs.
For those experiencing the signs of thyroid imbalance, take a look at Thyroid Support, a comprehensive formula of Vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, iodine, selenium, and a few other herbal extracts designed to support optimal thyroid function, maintain a healthy thyroid metabolism, and increase the production of thyroid hormones. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like more information!
