Thyroid Conditions

What are thyroid conditions?

A thyroid condition is a health complication that affects the function of the thyroid gland. Situated at the base of your neck and shaped like a butterfly, the gland is part of your endocrine system. It releases hormones that control various processes in your body, like metabolism.

A thyroid condition can cause your thyroid gland to either overproduce or underproduce the hormones that come from it. These problems can severely affect your health, but you can manage them with professional medical care.

The Temecula Medical Group team diagnoses thyroid conditions using blood tests and can manage your treatment with individualized care. Some conditions are lifelong and present from birth, while others develop later in life, for example, during menopause.

Which conditions cause hypothyroidism?

Temecula Medical Group offers testing and treatment for several of the thyroid gland’s most common conditions. Hypothyroidism is the underproduction of hormones made in the thyroid and can be the result of several different diagnoses, including:

• Thyroiditis
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Iodine deficiency
• A non-functioning gland

Hypothyroidism leads to symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, and sensitivity to the cold.

Which conditions cause hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland overproduces its hormones. Several conditions can cause hyperthyroidism, including:

• Graves’ disease
• Thyroid nodules
• Too much iodine
• Thyroiditis

Hyperthyroidism symptoms include trouble gaining weight, tremors, a fast heart rate, irritability, and anxiety.

Conditions like thyroiditis can cause either hyper- or hypothyroidism. The Temecula Medical Group team evaluates your symptoms and can test your blood to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

How are thyroid conditions treated?

Treating a thyroid condition depends on your diagnosis and how severe its effects are on your health. Nonsurgical treatments are often sufficient and can either control your symptoms or restore a balance in your thyroid hormones. These treatments include beta-blockers, antithyroid drugs, and radioactive iodine.

Sometimes, surgery is necessary for thyroid conditions. Thyroidectomy, one such surgery, removes part or all of the thyroid gland to control the overproduction of its hormones.

To schedule an appointment for a possible thyroid condition, call the Temecula Medical Group or book online today.