Thyroid Treatment

What Does the Thyroid do?

The thyroid gland releases hormones that help to stabilize the body's metabolism, maintain a healthy weight, and trigger the release of other hormones throughout the body. Thyroid hormones work throughout the body to trigger a variety of different chemical reactions that aid in the break down of sugars, helps to increase energy levels, and keeps the body functioning efficiently. The thyroid works hand in hand with the adrenal glands to keep the body energized and capable of handling a variety of activities.

What Happens if it Becomes Damaged?

If the thyroid gland becomes damaged, many different things can occur. If too much thyroid hormone is produced, the body's metabolism can work over time. This can result in constant hunger, an overabundance of energy, and a dramatic weight loss. If too little thyroid hormone is present, the person's energy levels are dramatically reduced causing them to gain excessive amounts of weight and become lethargic. The fluctuations in these vital hormones can also lead to other hormone related problems, like missed periods, erratic insulin production, and infertility.

How are Thyroid Problems Treated?

The type of damage will determine how the thyroid condition is treated. In some cases, such as thyroid cancer, the gland is removed or destroyed with radiation. If the thyroid's function becomes impaired by a hormone imbalance in another part of the body, hormone treatments may be required to stimulate the thyroid into working again. With today's state of the art technology many thyroid conditions can be treated through the use of synthetic hormones that mimic the actions and responses of their natural counterparts. Problems with the thyroid gland does not have to disrupt a person's life. There are several treatment options available to help people who have thyroid problems live an active life.