Thyroid

About 20 million people in the United States have thyroid disease, affecting their physical and emotional well-being. The experienced medical providers at Low Cost Health Clinics, with seven offices in Anaheim, Riverside, Santa Ana, Corona, Costa Mesa, Cathedral City, and Indio, California, use their in-house lab services to screen for and treat thyroid disorders. Call the family practice and urgent care clinic nearest you today, or use the online booking button to schedule your thyroid consultation. 

What is the thyroid and what does it do?

The thyroid is a small endocrine gland located in the neck. It produces and releases a group of hormones called the thyroid hormones. These hormones control your metabolism, which is the amount of energy (calories) your body needs to function.

A healthy thyroid produces an adequate supply of hormones to keep your metabolism running smoothly. Any change in hormone production, up or down, changes your metabolism, causing you to burn too much energy or not enough, making it difficult to manage weight.

When should I schedule thyroid testing?

Schedule thyroid testing at Low Cost Health Clinics if you have concerning symptoms that may involve your thyroid. 

Signs and symptoms of thyroid disease include:

• Unexpected weight gain or weight loss
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety
• Low mood
• Dry skin
• Thinning hair
• Sensitivity to temperature changes (hot or cold)

Anyone can develop a thyroid disease. However, you’re at greater risk of having thyroid problems if they run in your family or you have an autoimmune disorder, such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. 

Thyroid diseases are also more common in women.

What are some types of thyroid diseases?

There are many conditions that affect thyroid function. Common thyroid diseases include:

Hashimoto’s disease

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes a decrease in thyroid hormone production (hypothyroidism).

Grave’s disease

Grave’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid to overproduce thyroid hormones.

Goiter

A goiter is an enlarged thyroid due to the formation of nodules (usually benign growths) or an iodine deficiency that triggers the thyroid to grow.

Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland. 

Low Cost Health Clinics run blood work to do a hormone check of your thyroid to diagnose thyroid disease.

What medical treatment do I need for thyroid disease?

Medical treatment for thyroid disease depends on your diagnosis and how it affects your hormone levels. Your provider at Low Cost Health Clinics customizes your plan and reviews the details with you. 

For conditions that cause hypothyroidism, you need to take thyroid hormone supplements and get regular hormone checks to make sure your hormones stay balanced.

Call Low Cost Health Clinics today or use the online booking tool to learn more about thyroid diseases.