Skip to main content

Signs You Have a Thyroid Disorder

Signs You Have a Thyroid Disorder

According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), more than 12% of Americans can expect to develop a thyroid problem at some point, yet as many as 60% of people with a thyroid issue don’t know it. 

At Family Acupuncture and Wellness, our practitioners, led by Adam Learner, LAc, understand that a thyroid disorder can affect you in wide-ranging, but often vague, ways. You may have symptoms that don’t seem connected, or even that you can’t quite put your finger on. In this post, we discuss some of the signs that may indicate a thyroid problem. 

Thyroid dysfunction facts

Women are more likely than men to develop a thyroid problem and roughly one woman in every eight will develop a thyroid issue during her life. Scientists and researchers don’t fully understand what causes thyroid problems. 

If you have undiagnosed and untreated thyroid problems, you are at a higher risk of developing other chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, among others. The hormone produced by your thyroid affects every cell in your entire body! 

Hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid produces too much hormone. Far more common is hypothyroidism, where your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormone. Two autoimmune diseases affect the thyroid: Hashimoto’s disease, which causes hypothyroidism and Grave’s disease which causes hyperthyroidism. 

Signs of hyperthyroidism

An overactive thyroid causes several uncomfortable symptoms. You may feel restless, nervous, anxious or irritable. You may have a racing heart, sweat more than usual, and shake. 

Other symptoms include: 

Signs of hypothyroidism

As you might expect, the signs of an underactive thyroid are the opposite of those of an overactive thyroid. Rather than feeling anxious, you may feel depressed; instead of a racing heart rate, your heart may beat slowly. Other symptoms include: 

The most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States is Hashimoto’s disease, which is an autoimmune disorder in which your body mistakes your thyroid gland for an invader and attacks it. Over time, your immune system damages your thyroid to the point it can no longer produce the proper amount of hormone. 

How we can help

Having a thyroid disorder can make you feel awful and make it difficult for you to carry out your day-to-day obligations, never mind doing the things you enjoy. You may feel like you’ll never be your normal self again. 

We use a combination of a physical exam, lab tests, and discussing your symptoms to understand your condition and devise a plan to treat it. Often, a treatment plan for a thyroid disorder includes dietary changes, education, and other approaches to help your body reach optimal healing and health. 

If you’re experiencing vague symptoms or you just don’t feel like yourself, schedule an appointment at Family Acupuncture and Wellness. We can begin investigating the cause of your symptoms, and suggest ways you may be able to start feeling better. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

Rehabilitation: What Are the Benefits of Cupping?

Rehabilitation: What Are the Benefits of Cupping?

Cupping, much like acupuncture, is a very old form of treatment. How do you know if it’s something that would work for you? In this post we discuss some of the benefits of cupping, as well as what you might expect if you have a cupping treatment.
How Your Gut Microbiome Impacts Your Health

How Your Gut Microbiome Impacts Your Health

You’ve probably heard the phrase “gut health” at some point in the recent past, or even heard someone refer to your microbiome. In this post, we discuss the gut microbiome specifically and the surprising impact it can have on your health.
5 Symptoms of an Overactive Thyroid

5 Symptoms of an Overactive Thyroid

Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, can cause a variety of symptoms that aren’t always easy to recognize. It’s often mistaken for other conditions. Here’s what you need to know.
5 Signs You’re Dealing with IBS

5 Signs You’re Dealing with IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly called IBS, is more common than most people realize. The severity of IBS ranges from mildly annoying to debilitating, and it’s possible to have it and not realize it. Here are five signs.
Can Acupuncture Strengthen My Immune System?

Can Acupuncture Strengthen My Immune System?

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for a number of different issues, but it also has preventive benefits. In this post we consider whether or not acupuncture can serve as an immune booster.