4 Common Thyroid Problems & Treatments

February 19, 2024

Inside the base of your neck, a small butterfly-shaped organ is constantly fluttering away, producing hormones that your body requires to perform a multitude of functions. It’s this thyroid gland that is responsible for regulating the body’s metabolism while aiding in growth and development. Yet, it’s not uncommon for the endocrine system to be thrown out of whack when there’s a problem with the thyroid, leading to symptoms like a lack of energy, irritability and changes in weight. Here are 4 common thyroid problems and treatments:

1. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. Also known as an overactive thyroid, this condition often causes the body’s functions to speed up. Hyperthyroidism affects about 1% of all Americans and is more common in women than men. Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, is the most common form of hyperthyroidism, impacting 1 out of every 200 people in the United States.

2. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid is unable to produce enough thyroid hormone to keep the body running at optimal performance. Also known as an underactive thyroid, this condition causes the body’s functions to slow down. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body attacks the thyroid causing it to not produce enough hormones, is one of the most common thyroid problems involving an underactive thyroid. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis impacts about 5% of Americans.

3. Goiter

Goiter happens when the thyroid gland becomes enlarged. This noncancerous enlargement can occur when irregular cell growth forms lumps, or nodules, in the thyroid. This condition is most commonly caused by an iodine deficiency in the diet. Goiter affects roughly 5% of the American population.

4. Thyroid Nodules

Growths that occur on or in the thyroid gland are known as thyroid nodules. These nodules can be either solid or filled with fluid. Potential causes of thyroid nodules include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and iodine deficiency. These nodules are most commonly benign but can be cancerous in some cases. Thyroid nodules are more common in women than men.

Thyroid & Gut Connection

Believe it or not, the thyroid and the gut are closely associated with one another! Interactions between the bacteria of the gut and thyroid function is known as the gut-thyroid axis. Many intestinal diseases can be traced back to common thyroid problems.

Gut bacteria influences the absorption of nutrients, produces specific vitamins, breaks down fiber, regulates immune response and impacts the brain’s neurotransmitters. Each of these functions impacts the thyroid.

Thyroid and gut diseases often coexist. Gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance of the microorganisms in the gut, is common among those with thyroid disease. This suboptimal gut health can impair the thyroid’s ability to properly function, which can lead to inflammation and a leaky gut.

Treatments for Common Thyroid Problems

These common thyroid problems can be treated in a number of different ways, depending on the circumstances.

Here at North Century Pharmacy, we create compounded medications that can be used to treat thyroid disease! These custom solutions are created by combining multiple compounds into one medicine that can best address your thyroid disorder.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) delivers man-made hormones directly to the body to raise naturally low levels of thyroid hormones. These hormones are bio-identical to the real thing and are often used to treat hypothyroidism.

Supplements are another way to treat common thyroid problems! A couple of such supplements from North Century Pharmacy are ThyroBlend and Thyrocsin.

First, ThyroBlend is a blend of nutrients and botanicals that work in conjunction to support thyroid health. This supplement contains L-tyrosine and iodine, which are required to create thyroid hormones T4 and T3. ThyroBlend boosts thyroid health by reducing stress caused by free radicals. Thyrocsin is a comprehensive supplement that also contains L-tyrosine and iodine. Several other vitamins and minerals in Thyrocsin, like zinc, selenium and copper, help convert T4 to T3.

Are you ready for relief from one of these common thyroid problems? We’re here to help! Discover several reasons you’ll love our independent pharmacy!