Sunday, March 4, 2012

How Can I Tell If I Have A Thyroid Problem?

Thyroid disorders have some of the most significant impacts on a person's body, but most of them go unnoticed for years before someone gets tested. The main reason for this is because thyroid disorders have the same symptoms as a lot of other disorders. A woman could think she's going through menopause were suffering from depression when in reality she just has an underactive thyroid. At the same time, another woman can think that she has anxiety or insomnia when in reality all she has is an overactive thyroid. If you think you may have a thyroid problem, the only way to know for sure is to get tested. Here is a look at how that process works so you can be better prepared for it in the future.

The Test

The easiest way to diagnose a thyroid disorder is to go through a thyroid blood test. There are several available, and each one indicates a different type of thyroid disorder. However, most will diagnose hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. These are disorders were the women have overactive and underactive thyroid glands. These disorders can put a severe damper on a person's life, including their emotional state, physical state, and overall well-being.

The Conditions

An underactive gland (hypothyroidism) will make a person feel sluggish and sad. A lot of women develop hypothyroidism after they give birth and in the taking of thyroid hormone for the rest of their lives to maintain the balance. Any thyroid disorder is treatable. It's just a matter of how severe it is and how drastic the treatment has to be. Some women might be willing to suffer their whole lives with their thyroid problems, but the most seek medical treatment beforehand.

A woman with hyperthyroidism will feel the exact opposite--constantly alert and overly anxious about life and the world at large. These people will often have trouble sleeping through the night and may feel some muscle loss and weakness in their body. Again, there are treatments out there for people with hyperthyroidism, but they have to be diagnosed first to receive such treatment. The blood tests are crucial if a person wants to get better, and the only way to get them is by consulting with the doctor.

The Concern

Any type of thyroid disorder can lead to even more drastic diseases, so catching it from an early start is very important. You don't want to get stuck with more problems than you have to. The next time you get to the doctor and tell them all your symptoms, you might want to mention a thyroid disorder to see if that sparks something in his or her mind. If so, you may want to go through a test to check everything out.

Many people who get misdiagnosed can simply go back and asked for a thyroid blood test to determine if they have some type of thyroid disorder. The tests aren't difficult and the results can certainly ease a lot of worry in a person's mind. You can even take the tests at home and send them in for the results. This can save a bit of time and money.

Conclusion

Finding out that you have disorder in general isn't necessarily good news, but at least indicates what's wrong and how you can fix it. You'd be amazed by how much a little bit of treatment can impact your life if you do have a thyroid disorder. Talk to your doctor about your options and see if he or she has any suggestions for you. You could be on your way to a healthier body in no time.

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