It’s no secret that getting older comes with many changes. No one wants to face physical and mental changes, but it's the reality many aging people endure. One of the ways you may experience changes is in your thyroid.
The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck, regulates many of your body’s systems like metabolism and growth. When your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, hypothyroidism occurs. Hypothyroidism affects nearly 5% of the population, and it’s estimated another 5% are undiagnosed.
Texas Wellness Clinic, located in Richmond Texas, provides hypothyroidism treatments that minimize your symptoms to prevent future health problems like joint pain and heart disease
Many people are living with hypothyroidism but have no idea. That’s because in its earliest stages, hypothyroidism produces minimal symptoms or none at all. Many of the symptoms are confused for other health problems or the act of aging altogether.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism vary greatly, but the most commons ones include:
Are you experiencing one or more of these symptoms? The best way to see if you have hypothyroidism is by undergoing a thyroid panel – a series of blood tests used to assess how your thyroid is functioning and the level of thyroid levels in your blood.
Call our office today to schedule one, so you can get your health on track.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, a condition in which your immune system attacks your thyroid. Other causes may include:
Although hypothyroidism cannot be prevented, certain risk factors make you more susceptible to developing it.
Hypothyroidism is common in people over 60. In fact, one in four people living in nursing homes may have it undiagnosed. You are at higher risk for the disease if you:
Though hypothyroidism isn’t curable, it is treatable.
Finding out you have hypothyroidism is something no one wants to face. However, you will be pleased to hear people return to their normal selves following treatment and live a long, happy life.
Here are some of the treatments we may suggest:
To help replenish your body with proper thyroid hormones, Nick Bryant Villegas, DNP may prescribe synthetic thyroxine. This medication is identical to the thyroid your body makes and should be taken in the morning before eating breakfast.
Your dosage generally depends on your history, symptoms, and current TSH level.
Dr. Villegas schedules regular monitoring to make sure the dosage of T4 is proper for your body.
Iodine is a mineral found in some foods like fish, salt, eggs, dairy, and chicken. This mineral is vital for proper thyroid function, and if you don’t consume enough, you may develop a goiter – enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Talk to your doctor or Dr. Villegas before changing your diet or taking Iodine supplements. Though taking iodine may be helpful for some people, others find it worsens their condition.
Though not a replacement for thyroid medication, exercise can help minimize symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. Not only will it improve your lifespan, but it will boost your energy levels and lower your weight.
It’s best to start slow with low-impact exercise like walking or biking. You can increase the duration and intensity over time, but always consult your doctor or Dr. Villegas before starting a new exercise.
People with hypothyroidism have a slower metabolism and burn fewer calories at rest. Eating a balanced diet can help manage your symptoms and improve your health.
Opt for foods like meats, fish, vegetables, dairy, eggs, and gluten-free grains. Stay away from highly processed foods and soy-based foods. For beverages, we suggest drinking water and non-caffeinated drinks.
Living with hypothyroidism may bring changes to your life, but with the proper treatment, you can feel your best in no time. Call 361-298-3362, or book online to start hypothyroidism treatment today.
