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Managing Thyroid Levels

The thyroid is a gland found in the throat that secretes hormones. Issues can come up when the thyroid gland either secretes too little or too much of the thyroid hormone. These are known as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and they are separate problems that are dealt with very differently. Women4Women supports women’s health in Queens and is here to help manage your thyroid levels.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, can be detected when low levels of a thyroid hormone called thyroxine, or T4, and high levels of TSH are found using blood tests. TSH is a hormone that stimulates the hormone gland to produce more thyroxine. After these irregular levels are discovered, treatment is the next step. While there are natural techniques used to counteract hypothyroidism, there is a standard medical treatment. Connecting with our experts in women’s health in Queens at Women4Women can help you get the treatment that is best for you.

Medical Treatment

Levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone, is often prescribed to treat hypothyroidism. This medication is taken orally once a day that recovers hormone levels to a regulated level. Doing so will hopefully reduce the symptoms of hypothyroidism, as well. Some of these include high cholesterol levels and weight gain. It is important to note that feeling better is not an indication to stop taking the medication. Levothyroxine will likely be taken for life, as stopping it will cause your symptoms to return.

Natural Treatments

For those who would like to avoid potential side effects of thyroid replacement medication, like levothyroxine, attempting natural treatments may be a more suitable option. These are intended to eliminate potential causes of hypothyroidism, like dietary issues and a lack of certain nutrients. Some examples include:

  • Consuming Foods with Selenium: foods like tuna and turkey contain selenium, which has been shown to help regulate thyroxine levels.
  • Consuming Vitamin B: whether in vitamin form or through foods, like asparagus and eggs, consuming Vitamin B can help with symptoms of fatigue, as well as the impact on one’s Vitamin B-1 levels that hypothyroidism can cause
  • Changing Diet: cutting out sugar and processed foods can make a big difference. These foods can cause inflammation, which may slow down the conversion of T4 into another thyroid hormone.
Women’s health in Queens

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, causes an overproduction of thyroid hormone in one’s body. This can be detected physically or through a blood test. A physical exam may show an enlarged or tender thyroid gland or a rapid pulse. A blood test will show high levels of thyroxine and no or low levels of TSH. Once this is found, a few tests can indicate why you have an overactive thyroid. They include:

  • Thyroid Ultrasound: created images of the thyroid
  • Thyroid Scan: radioactive isotope is injected to show how iodine collects within your thyroid gland
  • Radioiodine Uptake Test: an oral dose of radioactive iodine is consumed to show much much gets collected in your thyroid gland

Like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism can be treated medically, although some natural treatments can help manage symptoms alongside medical treatment. Getting help from one of Women4Women’s specialists in women’s health in Queens could help you along the process of proper diagnosis and treatment.

Medical Treatment

Depending on one’s age, condition, and cause of hyperthyroidism, a few medical treatments can be done. They are:

  • Anti-Thyroid Medications: Methimazole and propylthiouracil both act to prevent the thyroid from overproducing hormones, and they can help reduce symptoms
  • Radioactive Iodine: An oral medication meant to shrink the thyroid gland. It may cause an underactive thyroid, which would call for medication to replace thyroxine.
  • Thyroidectomy: A surgery that consists of most of your thyroid gland being removed. Levothyroxine would need to be taken for life following the procedure to continue supplying your body with enough thyroid hormone.

Natural Treatment

Again, these natural treatments cannot replace prescribed medical treatment; they may help one manage their hyperthyroidism symptoms. Some of these techniques include:

  • Switching to a Low-Iodine Diet: your doctor may recommend a low-iodine diet to make your medical treatment more effective. Some key foods to avoid include iodized salt, dairy, seafood, and egg yolks to get started with this.
  • Consuming Vitamin B-12: taking a vitamin B-12 supplement can help reduce symptoms of fatigue and dizziness often felt by those with hyperthyroidism.

Women4Women – Women’s health in Queens

It is important to always speak with a medical professional in managing your thyroid levels. Not only will seeing an expert in women’s health in Queens at Women4Women ensure that you get a proper diagnosis, but we are here to discuss solutions for reducing symptoms and treating your thyroid issues in a way that works best for you. Book an appointment.