If you are constantly tired and depressed, you might be dealing with hypothyroidism. This medical condition can have a very negative impact on your mental and physical health. At Innovative Medicine in Lafayette, IN, we offer a variety of treatments that are designed to address this frustrating health issue.
What Effect Does Hypothyroidism Have on the Body?
Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, is a common hormonal issue. Your thyroid is a very small gland that can be found on the front of your neck. This gland produces hormones that play a very important role in controlling your metabolism and body temperature. When your gland does not produce enough of these hormones, your metabolism and other bodily functions may change.
You might begin to experience negative symptoms when this gland does not function properly. When this condition initially develops, your symptoms may be very minor. As your gland continues to produce insufficient hormones, these issues may become more serious.
Weight Changes
An unexplained change in your weight can be a sign that you are suffering from a thyroid issue. For example, you might begin to gain weight when you have not changed your exercise routine or diet. This extra weight can be difficult to shed with lifestyle changes.
Mental Issues
Thyroid problems can cause you to become depressed and upset. You might also develop memory problems and brain fog. For example, you might struggle to remember directions and people’s names.
Loss of Energy
It’s common to feel very tired when you are suffering from this problem. You might have a hard time exercising or getting up in the mornings. Further, your muscles could begin to ache or feel stiff and tender.
Other Issues
In addition to the problems described above, you might develop dry skin and cold feet. You may also lose hair and develop acne. If you are a woman, your periods could become very heavy or irregular.
How Is This Thyroid Issue Diagnosed?
When you visit our office for your initial consultation, we will discuss the physical challenges, mental issues, and other symptoms that you are experiencing. Talking about these issues will help us determine whether you could be suffering from a thyroid problem.
A blood test can also be a good way to learn more about the functionality of your thyroid. This test measures the hormones that are contained within your blood.
Why Have I Developed This Thyroid Issue?
Taking certain medications, experiencing illnesses, and other life events can cause you to develop this thyroid problem.
Taking Medications
Certain medications can change the behavior of your thyroid. For example, lithium is a medication that can help to address psychiatric issues. This medication may cause your thyroid to produce insufficient amounts of hormones.
Receiving Hyperthyroidism Treatments
Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition that develops when your thyroid produces excessive amounts of hormones. This problem can cause weight loss, depression, and other symptoms.
If you have this condition, you might receive medications or radioactive iodine treatments that are designed to balance your hormone levels. Under some circumstances, your hyperthyroidism treatments will cause your hormone levels to become too low.
Developing an Autoimmune Disorder
When your immune system functions properly, it will protect you against diseases without harming your body. However, if you develop an autoimmune disorder, your immune system will make antibodies that will harm your tissues. These antibodies may alter the behavior of your thyroid and cause you to develop hypothyroidism.
In particular, an issue called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can cause your thyroid to produce fewer hormones. Although the specific cause of this problem isn’t known, you may develop this condition after you are exposed to an environmental trigger.
Eating Insufficient Amounts of Iodine
Iodine is a mineral that is contained in seaweed and other foods. Your body needs sufficient amounts of this mineral in order to create thyroid hormones. If you do not eat enough iodine, you could develop a thyroid issue.
Other Causes
Receiving radiation to treat cancer can cause thyroid problems. In addition, if part or all of your thyroid was removed during a medical procedure, you may develop insufficient amounts of thyroid hormones.
Will My Thyroid Issues Cause Me To Develop Other Problems?
If you do not address your thyroid issues, you could develop other significant health conditions. For example, this thyroid problem may increase your chances of experiencing heart issues and cholesterol problems.
In addition, your thyroid issues could damage your body’s ability to ovulate and cause you to have fertility problems. This thyroid issue may also increase your risk of having a child with birth defects and other challenges.
How Can I Treat This Thyroid Problem?
Taking hormonal replacements may relieve your negative symptoms and make you feel happier and more energetic. These supplements can raise your thyroid hormones and decrease your fatigue and weight gain.
The proper dosage of hormones will depend on your weight, the severity of your thyroid issue, and other factors. We will work with you to find a dosage that will work for you. Further, we can regularly perform blood tests to monitor your hormone levels while you are adapting to your treatment.
Schedule a Consultation
Hypothyroidism can cause you to gain weight and develop memory problems. You might also become easily tired and depressed. To learn more about the supplements that can be used to treat this issue, contact us at Innovative Medicine in Lafayette, IN to set up an initial meeting.
