When you have ongoing fatigue that makes it hard to get through the day, or you just can’t stop feeling nervous, jittery, or anxious, you may have an underactive or overactive thyroid. The doctors at Boerne Family Medicine in Boerne, Texas, have years of experience accurately diagnosing thyroid problems and creating customized treatment plans. The doctors encourage you to call or make an appointment online if you have thyroid symptoms so you can start treatment and begin to feel like yourself again.
"Very caring and knowledgeable staff. Happy they actively listen to me. The communication is great! I do not especially “like” having to go for yearly checkups but am so so thankful they are there for that and emergencies as well. They educate but will not force me to take all the advice in order to continue being a patient. I highly recommend Boerne Family Medicine."
Thyroid Q & A
Why are thyroid hormones important for your health?
When the thyroid or thyroid hormones are mentioned, it usually refers to the other two hormones — triiodothyronine, or T3, and thyroxine, or T4 — which are responsible for regulating your metabolism.
Thyroid hormones affect every system in your body, including:
- Breathing and heart rate
- Protein production
- Nervous system
- Body weight
- Muscle strength
- Body temperature
- Cholesterol levels
- Menstrual cycle
What happens when thyroid hormones are out of balance?
Various health conditions can cause your thyroid to produce too little or too much T3 and T4. It’s critical to properly treat an underactive or overactive thyroid because both conditions significantly impact your health.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, causing the body to slow down. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
- Sensitivity to cold
- Puffy face
- Hoarseness
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- High cholesterol
- Thinning hair
Hyperthyroidism
Your metabolism speeds up when your thyroid gland produces too much hormone. Hyperthyroidism causes symptoms such as:
- Weight loss
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nervousness, anxiety, or irritability
- Sweating
- Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
- Tremor in your hands and fingers
- Difficulty sleeping
- Thinning skin
Can untreated thyroid problems cause health complications?
Untreated hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause serious heart problems. In addition to high cholesterol, hypothyroidism can lead to an enlarged heart. Hyperthyroidism causes an irregular heart rhythm and congestive heart failure.
Hyperthyroidism also increases your risk for osteoporosis and eye problems. Additional complications associated with hypothyroidism include goiter, depression, and infertility in women.
How are thyroid conditions treated?
The primary treatment for hypothyroidism consists of thyroid replacement therapy. For most people, it only takes about two weeks of treatment with thyroid hormones to begin feeling better.
Several treatments exist for hyperthyroidism, so your doctor at Boerne Family Medicine recommends the best option based on your age, health, the underlying cause of your thyroid condition, and your personal preference.
Call the team at Boerne Family Medicine or make an appointment online if you have a question about your metabolism or have symptoms associated with thyroid conditions. They’re available to answer questions and schedule an appointment to screen you for thyroid problems.
