Posted by Signature Medical Group on Monday, July 18, 2016 in General Health News
What Does the Thyroid Gland Do?
Your thyroid gland produces hormones that maintain your metabolism rate. Meaning that the thyroid gland, located in the front of your neck, actually controls how fast or slow your brain, heart, muscles, liver and other parts of your body work. These glands don't always perform as they should, creating some unwanted symptoms. Today, Signature Medical Group in Kansas City is looking at the two more common thyroid diseases.
Overactive Thyroid Glands
Also known as hyperthyroidism, this can be described by imagining your body as a car. Your thyroid gland is the engine and it is idling too fast. Some common symptoms include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Trouble sleeping
- Intolerant of heat
- Trouble concentrating
- Feeling nervous, fast heart rate
Underactive Thyroid Gland
Also known as hypothyroidism, has the opposite effects of hyperthyroidism. You are unable to produce enough thyroid hormone for your metabolism to work at a normal pace. Symptoms include:
- Feeling tired
- Unexplained weight gain
- Feeling unexplainably cold
- Dry skin
- Slow heart rate
- For children, growing very slowly
Signature Medical Group primary care physicians have years of experience diagnosing these symptoms and if necessary, are able to get you in with a Signature Endocrinologist. Take a look at some of the questions Signature Medical Group can answer with simple a visit:
- What is wrong with my thyroid?
- What kind of tests do I need?
- Do I have treatment options?
- Should I see an endocrinologist?
Schedule an appointment today!
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Tags
- hormones
- hyperthyroidism
- hypothyroidism
- kansas city
- metabolism
- thyroid
- thyroid disease