The thyroid: one of the most overlooked yet important parts of the human body

If your energy levels feel “out of whack” then you could be in the 12 percent of Americans who have a thyroid disorder.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland situated at the front of the neck which regulates a person’s metabolism and controls energy levels and sensitivity to the body’s myriad hormones.

Thyroid diseases affect 12 percent of the U.S. population, according to the American Thyroid Association, and affect women five to eight times more than men. Too many people suffer from thyroid irregularities for years without even knowing it. Those who do suffer from a malfunctioning thyroid are susceptible to an increased risk of heart disease, weight gain, hair loss and fatigue. The reason so many thyroid diseases go undiagnosed is because people ignore symptoms and do not get tested, so make sure you aren’t one of them.

Here is a look at the three types of thyroid disorders, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and thyroiditis:

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs as a result of underproduction of the thyroid hormones. Some symptoms to be aware of are abnormal weight gain, tiredness, hair loss and intolerance to cold, among others. Hypothyroidism can develop at any age, but occurs more commonly with advancing age. During pregnancy, it should be treated immediately since hypothyroidism can be potentially harmful to a developing fetus.

There are many reliable thyroid replacement hormones that will effectively treat hypothyroidism, both synthetic and natural. However, most patients opt for natural thyroid hormones. In many instances, patients see improvement within the first week of treatment and symptoms generally dissipate within months.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, a less common condition, typically results in the swelling of the thyroid and presents symptoms like palpitations, excess sweating, weight loss, and muscle weakness, and often an unusual sensitivity to heat.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism depends on your age and the cause. Regardless, hyperthyroidism can lead to more serious problems – making treatment vital. Common initial treatments for hyperthyroidism are anti-thyroid medicines and radioactive iodine therapy. If symptoms persist and radioactive iodine therapy is not an option, surgery may be required to remove all or part of the thyroid.

Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is a group of malfunctions that cause thyroidal inflammation. This can be a difficult disorder to diagnose since many of its symptoms are also symptoms of other diseases. Thyroiditis is more likely to be found in women than in men and is most common in middle-aged individuals. Treatments range from anti-inflammatory medications to hormone replacement.

Treating thyroiditis heavily depends on the type and the severity. Those who suspect they may have some form of thyroiditis should seek medical attention and work with their physician and pharmacist so that the inflammation is treated safely and effectively.

When dealing with the thyroid, it is best to not take chances and to get tested immediately if you have a concern. And, as always, it’s important to support your body by sleeping well, eating healthily and getting the nutrients you need, including iodine, which is crucial for normal thyroid function.

Steve Bernardi is a registered compounding pharmacist at Johnson Compounding & Wellness in Waltham (www.naturalcompounder.com). Readers with questions about natural or homeopathic medicine, compounded medications, or health in general can email steve@naturalcompounder.com or call 781-893-3870.