Your thyroid produces hormones that control many of your body’s basic functions, from metabolism to mood. Joseph R Raccuglia, MD, is an experienced family medicine provider in Freehold Township, New Jersey, who can test you for thyroid disease, and design the right treatment plan for you. For more information, call Joseph R Raccuglia, MD, or schedule a visit by booking online.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck that produces hormones, which control certain bodily functions — including mood, metabolism, digestion, and heart rate. Thyroid disease typically causes your thyroid to produce too much or too little of the hormone.
Women are about five to eight times more likely to experience thyroid problems than men. They are especially susceptible to thyroid disease after pregnancy or menopause.
There are two main types of thyroid disease that Dr. Raccuglia treats:
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid produces too much of the thyroid hormone, speeding up many of your body’s basic functions. The warning signs of hyperthyroidism are:
The most common form of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland.
Far more common than hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too little of the thyroid hormone. Many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
Hypothyroidism can also raise your cholesterol levels, which puts you at risk of heart disease.
How thyroid disease is treated depends on the type you have. In many cases, you can manage thyroid disease by paying attention to subtle symptoms, like fatigue or anxiety. Other common thyroid disease treatments include:
If you have hyperthyroidism, Dr. Raccuglia may recommend medication to stop your thyroid from producing too much thyroid hormone. Beta-blockers can also be helpful in slowing your fast heart rate and other symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Most patients with hypothyroidism take medication every day to increase the production of the thyroid hormone.
In rare cases, Dr. Raccuglia may recommend surgery to remove the thyroid if it’s producing too much thyroid hormone.
Changes in your diet, including eliminating gluten, can help improve the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Dr. Raccuglia may also recommend supplements, such as vitamin B-12, selenium, and zinc.
When left untreated, thyroid disease can lead to serious health complications, such as troubles getting pregnant. To learn more, call Joseph R Raccuglia, MD, or schedule an appointment online.
