When To Initiate Thyroid Hormone Treatment
If you suffer from hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, your body might not be producing sufficient amounts of two important hormones. Both men and women are susceptible to this condition and can experience a number of troubling symptoms as a result.
Thyroid treatment restores hormonal balance by using synthetic hormones to replace the missing hormones your thyroid isn’t producing. But how do you know when it’s time to consider this treatment and whether you’re a viable candidate? Let’s look at the symptoms you might experience and how treatment can affect your condition.
How Your Thyroid Works
Thyroids produce thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which are critical hormones in regulating your metabolism and bodily functions. They can adjust heart rate, body temperature and caloric use.
Your thyroid produces these hormones by absorbing and oxidizing iodine, then using it to build a protein. This protein is the building block for the hormones. This thyroid process is why iodine is an important nutrient and is associated with thyroid health.
Once these hormones are produced, they’re released into the bloodstream and delivered to the areas where they’re needed. Your pituitary gland continually regulates the production and release of thyroid hormones so your body functions effectively.
Symptoms
If you have a deficiency of these important hormones, you might experience:
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Weight gain
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Dry skin
- Puffy face
- Hoarse voice
- Muscle weakness and aches
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Constipation
- Thinning hair
- Slowed heart rate
How Do I Know if I Have a Thyroid Condition?
Be aware that these symptoms can develop slowly. You may not notice them for months or even years. However, if you notice persistent symptoms, make an appointment with a hormone specialist. They can measure your hormone levels and determine whether you suffer from low production.
Is Thyroid Hormone Treatment Effective?
If you suffer from underactive thyroid, have undergone thyroid surgery or have needed radioactive iodine treatment, you’re almost certainly deficient in those important hormones. Artificially replacing the hormones can restore your hormone levels to normal.
After treatment, most patients experience:
- Improved metabolism
- More energy
- Weight loss
- Positive mood change
The treatment process is simple, safe, non-invasive and often covered by insurance. It should also always be overseen by a trained medical professional. Each patient responds to treatment differently and should be supervised to optimize outcomes.
Ideally, once your hormone balance is reestablished, you’ll feel better and be able to function normally in your day-to-day activities.
Answers to Your Thyroid Questions
At Balance Hormone Center, our staff of compassionate medical professionals specializes in health issues related to hormone imbalance.
Not sure if thyroid treatment is the right solution for you? We’d love to meet and discuss your current health challenges. Together, we can diagnose the problem and chart a path to wellness. Schedule your appointment today.
