Have you ever thought about the role your thyroid plays in your life? Your thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that sits in the lower front of your neck. It uses the iodine from your food to produce three hormones that your body uses as energy, to stay warm and to keep your brain, heart, muscles and other organs working properly.
Seems simple enough – eat food, produce hormones. But there are actually many things that can go wrong in the process.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid produces too many hormones. Too many hormones will cause your body to speed up. This can lead to nervousness, a racing heart, difficulty sleeping, frequent bowel movements and weight loss. A viral infection, a growth on the thyroid or even Grave’s Disease can cause the thyroid to produce too many hormones. Drugs, specifically antithyroid medications may be used to block your thyroid’s ability to create new hormones.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the exact opposite; those with this disorder do not produce enough hormones. Fewer hormones lead to a slowdown in your body. You will feel colder, more tired, depressed and constipated. Daily hormone supplements are usually all that is required to treat this disorder.
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer, while uncommon in Boone is seeing a rise within the United States. While many would be quick to jump on the use of microwaves or eating non-organically as the cause of this increase, the best ENT in Boone believes there is something much simpler (and less concerning). Your thyroid specialist credits this increase to technological advancements that make it easier to identify smaller cancerous growths.
Thyroid cancer is typically identified by a lump you can feel through your skin, a change in your voice or difficulty swallowing. Contact your Boone ENT at the first sign of any discomfort. As with any other medical condition, early intervention is key to a quick recovery.