Your thyroid is an important organ, producing hormones which regulate body functions. There are several types of thyroid disease which can dramatically affect your overall health. Your doctor can tell you more. Dr. Juan Carlos Zubieta at North Houston Diabetes Institute provides a wide range of medical services, including diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease in Humble, TX.

Hypothyroidism: A Common Type of Thyroid Disease

One of the most common types of thyroid disease is hypothyroidism. This condition, which results from your thyroid not producing enough hormone, can lead to a range of symptoms, including weight gain and low energy. Autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, can cause this condition. When you have hypothyroidism, you might experience:

• Fatigue and weight gain
• Dry skin and hair
• Slowed heart rate
• Muscle weakness

To treat hypothyroidism, your doctor may recommend supplementation with thyroid hormone medication.

Hyperthyroidism: A Less Common, But Still Impactful, Condition

Some patients in Humble, TX, suffering from thyroid disease have hyperthyroidism, a condition that occurs when your thyroid produces too much hormone. Autoimmune conditions, including Graves’ disease, can cause hyperthyroidism. When you have hyperthyroidism, you might experience:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Rapid heart rate
• Profuse sweating
• Thinning skin and brittle hair
• Muscle weakness

To treat hyperthyroidism, your doctor may recommend medications to decrease the production of thyroid hormone.

Nodules and Thyroid Growths

Nodules and other thyroid growths are another type of thyroid disease. These nodules can also be an early sign of thyroid cancer. Signs and symptoms of thyroid growths include:

• Pain in your throat or neck
• Painful, difficult swallowing
• Chronic hoarseness in your voice
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck

Thyroid nodules or growths need to be surgically removed and submitted for a biopsy to identify if abnormal or cancerous cells are present. If cancerous cells are present, additional thyroid surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy may be indicated.

Want to Know More about Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid health is essential to your energy levels and overall well-being. Call Dr. Zubieta at North Houston Diabetes Institute at (832) 644-9595 to discuss the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment of thyroid disease in Humble, TX. Schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms, create a treatment plan, and start feeling better.