When your thyroid becomes dysregulated, all kinds of things can go awry — and you may not feel so well as a result. Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid is sluggish, while hyperthyroidism means the tiny gland is working overtime.
If you notice signs of either imbalance, it’s time to see a doctor.
Fortunately, Dr. Mingliarti Tjahjana diagnoses and treats thyroid conditions, so you can feel like yourself again. At One Health Medical Care, our aim is to provide expert care with compassion, educate you about any health condition you’re living with, and work together to find solutions.
Our endocrine systems are critical and complex — this network of glands produces and directs hormones that impact every system in our bodies. Our hormones influence our mood, appetite, weight, growth, libido, and much, much more.
The thyroid is a small gland at the front of your neck that’s shaped like a butterfly. Despite its delicate shape and diminutive size, the thyroid controls many diverse functions. If your thyroid is working overtime (hyperthyroidism), you’re bound to notice symptoms like:
No one likes struggling with insomnia, but if you’re consistently having problems with staying asleep, your sleep difficulties may be a sign of an overactive thyroid.
Have you noticed increased hunger, or does it seem like you’re losing weight without even trying? Some people dream about the latter, but it may not be good news — instead, it may be an indication that you’re experiencing an overactive thyroid.
Both heart palpitations (feeling like your heart is pounding or fluttering) and a faster heartbeat can point to hyperthyroidism. You may also notice an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
A goiter is swelling on your neck where your thyroid is located. This means that your thyroid is producing a surplus of thyroid hormone, and a clear sign you should see Dr. Tjahjana.
Believe it or not, an overactive thyroid can lead to irritability, anxiety, and simply feeling fatigued. This exemplifies the wide-ranging reach that your thyroid has — both physically and mentally.
Additional symptoms you may experience with hyperthyroidism include menstrual period irregularity if you’re a woman, more frequent bowel movements, hand tremors, and increased sweating.
If Dr. Tjahjana diagnoses you with hyperthyroidism, she can offer effective treatment. She will likely prescribe antithyroid medication that successfully puts the brakes on your overactive thyroid. Other possible treatment options include beta blockers and radioactive iodine therapy, which destroys thyroid cells.
If these conservative treatments are unsuccessful, Dr. Tjahjana may recommend surgery to remove a small portion of the thyroid as a way to regulate the gland and control symptoms.
The good news is that you don’t have to resign yourself to living with an overactive thyroid and its accompanying symptoms. Treatment can help you restore thyroid hormone balance and protect your long-term health.
Ready to learn more? Call 571-572-9198 to reach One Health Medical Care in Reston, Virginia, today, or use our online booking feature to schedule a visit at your convenience.
