Thyroid

Your thyroid regulates your heart rate, metabolism, and other vital functions. When it acts up, it can harm your health and your quality of life. Dominion Family Healthcare in San Antonio specializes in the most up-to-date methods in internal and urgent care. Their goal is informing you about all avenues of treatment for thyroid problems. Take a step for your lasting health today, call to schedule a consultation or book one online with Dr. Yasmeen Agha.


Thyroid Q & A

What is my thyroid?

A small butterfly-shaped gland, your thyroid is located at the base of your neck. It’s an endocrine gland, which means it makes hormones to control various vital functions in your body. Thyroid hormones control how fast your heart beats, how quickly you burn calories, and other functions.

When your thyroid isn’t working the way it should, it can affect your whole body. There are several types of thyroid problems. Some can make you feel tired, increase your heart rate, or cause you to lose or gain weight.

What are thyroid problems?

The four main thyroid-related conditions are hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, and thyroid nodules.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is brought on when your thyroid gland makes too much of a hormone called thyroxine. When this happens, you may:

  • Lose weight, even when you’re eating normally
  • Experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat or pounding sensations in your heart
  • Feel more hungry than usual
  • Feel irritable, anxious, or nervous
  • Experience trembling in your hands and fingers

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of certain hormones required by your body. You may barely notice the symptoms of hypothyroidism, which occur over time.

Some symptoms to watch for include:

  • Fatigue
  • A puffy face
  • Increased sensitivity to cold
  • Constipation
  • Weight gain

Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer isn’t very common. It’s usually detected early and is treatable. Signs of thyroid cancer include:

  • A lump you can feel on your neck
  • Changes in your voice, such as hoarseness
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Pain in throat and neck
  • Swollen lymph nodes in your neck

Thyroid nodules

Thyroid nodules are solid or liquid-filled lumps that grow inside your thyroid gland. While these nodules aren’t usually harmful to your health, if they grow too large, they may interfere with breathing or swallowing.

What is the treatment for thyroid conditions?

At Dominion Family Health, your doctor recommends a treatment based on the nature of your problem. Your treatment plan may include medications to stabilize your hormone levels, radioiodine therapy, or thyroid surgery. Your doctor’s goal is to minimize your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs of thyroid problems, then it’s time to rely on the expert diagnosis and care at Dominion Family Health. Call today or book a consultation online.