Balancing Your Thyroid

The thyroid gland is an essential part of the endocrine system. When your thyroid is not functioning as it should, your entire body can be thrown off. If you are battling a thyroid disorder, Women4Women can help! Our gynecologist in Queens is trained to help with your thyroid problems and restore you to full health.

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a gland that lies in front of the windpipe and makes hormones that regulate how our body uses its energy. The two thyroid hormones that the gland releases are thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones are stored within the thyroid gland and released into the bloodstream as needed. When problems with the thyroid arise, it affects many-body systems, including digestions, body temperature, muscle function, and more, so it is important to seek treatment from our gynecologist in Queens.

Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism

Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland does not make enough hormones to function properly. Since the thyroid gland controls the body’s metabolism, hypothyroidism slows your metabolism and slows the gland’s hormone production. When your metabolism slows down, it can lead to weight gain. While our gynecologist in Queens can prescribe you medications that can treat this disease, there is no cure for hypothyroidism. Medication is used to improve thyroid function, restore hormone levels and allow you to live a healthy and normal life.

Common Causes of Hypothyroidism: The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This is when the body attacks its immune system. Eventually, the thyroid stops producing hormones as it should, which leads to hypothyroidism. This condition occurs more frequently in women than in men. Some other causes include pregnancy, iodine deficiency, radiation therapy, and thyroid surgeries.

Symptoms:

Trouble sleeping
Tiredness and fatigue
Hard time concentrating
Dry skin and hair
Depression
Heavy periods
Joint and muscle pain
Sensitivity to cold

Treatment:

The standard treatment is the daily use of synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine which is usually a lifelong oral medication that restores hormone levels. The goal of this medication is to reverse the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. After you start this treatment given by a gynecologist in Queens, you will likely feel better soon. Gradually, cholesterol is lowered, and you may reverse your weight gain. There are also plenty of exercises that you can do at home to help you feel better. For example, walking, yoga, light strength training, and aerobics are all great options. This will boost your mood, help you lose weight, and increase your energy levels.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the body makes too much thyroxine and triiodothyronine, the thyroid hormones. It is common for individuals with hyperthyroidism to experience a fast heartbeat, increased appetite, sudden weight loss, sensitivity to heat, and anxiety. With hyperthyroidism, irritation of the thyroid, known as thyroiditis, causes too many thyroid hormones to enter your blood which causes discomfort. Thyroiditis can also occur due to pregnancy but is usually short-term.

Common Causes Hyperthyroidism: Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease, is a cause of hyperthyroidism. Like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease causes the body to attack itself, leading to the thyroid gland producing too much thyroid hormone. Some other causes include too much iodine, growths on the thyroid, and thyroid inflammation.
Symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Moodiness
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Hair loss
- Light periods

Treatment:

Similar to hypothyroidism, a gynecologist in Queens can prescribe you medications that can help. For example, anti-thyroid medicine pills may be prescribed if your symptoms are mild. However, if the medication stops working, you may need another form of treatment. Radioactive iodine or surgery are some other treatments as well.

Radioactive iodine is the most common form of treatment, and many people will be cured after one dose. During this process, part of your thyroid gland is destroyed. If left untreated, an individual may develop an irregular heartbeat and bone loss.

How Do Diet and Stress Affect Your Thyroid?

When it comes to balancing your thyroid levels, diet plays a big role. Soy products and vegetables have a reputation for causing thyroid dysfunction. For example, brussels sprouts, kale, and other vegetables in the broccoli family. It is also very important to manage your stress. Those with high stress levels have very low triiodothyronine levels as well as other health issues.

How Long Does it Take for the Thyroid to Return to Normal?

Once an individual has started taking medication, it will typically take three to four weeks for levels to return to normal. Your gynecologist in Queens will likely adjust your dose as time goes on. Every month or two, the individual must undergo a test to check their levels and ensure the proper adjustments. The test is called a Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone test which requires no preparation and is done through a simple blood test.

Contact Us

If you are suffering from a thyroid condition, schedule an appointment with our gynecologist in Queens at, Women4Women. Our female board-certified OB-GYN specialists have experience treating women just like you! We want you to live a healthy and happy life.