Thyroid Disorder

Thyroid hormones control nearly every essential body system. If thyroid disease develops, it can cause wide-ranging physical and mental health problems. At Puentes Medical Consultants, Bobbi Bridges, AGACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, identifies the type of thyroid disease, then develops tailored medical care to restore hormone balance in your body. She provides thyroid care through telemedicine. To learn if your symptoms are caused by a thyroid disorder, call the office in San Antonio, Texas, or St. Petersburg, Florida, or book online today.

Why do thyroid disorders have a significant impact on my health?

Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate virtually all the essential functions in your body, including your:

• Metabolism
• Body weight
• Heart rate
• Muscle strength
• Cholesterol levels
• Menstrual cycles
• Body temperature
• Digestion

Thyroid hormones are so essential that your body keeps blood levels in a specific range. If your hormone levels rise or fall, you can develop health problems.

What thyroid disorders might I develop?

Thyroid disorders fall into several categories:

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism means your gland is underactive and failing to produce hormones. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s disease. Without treatment, the lack of thyroid hormones leads to complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, infertility, and joint pain.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is the opposite problem because the gland is overactive. As thyroid levels rise above the acceptable range, you can develop serious health problems, like a fast or irregular heartbeat, heart failure, osteoporosis, and eye problems.

What symptoms does thyroid disease cause?

You may have a visible lump from nodules or a goiter. Otherwise, your symptoms depend on the disease.

Hypothyroidism slows down your metabolism, causing:

• Dry skin
• Weight gain
• Hoarseness
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Puffy face
• Constipation
• Muscle weakness
• Sensitivity to the cold 

Hyperthyroidism speeds up your metabolism, causing:

• Thinning skin
• Weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Brittle hair
• Tremor
• Fine, brittle hair
• Frequent bowel movements
• Sensitivity to heat

Psychological symptoms can also appear due to a thyroid hormone imbalance, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Sleeping problems
• Loss of concentration
• Short-term memory lapses

 Thyroid disease is also closely associated with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and may affect bipolar medications. 

How is thyroid disease treated?

Treatment for hypothyroidism involves hormone replacement therapy, while hyperthyroidism typically needs medications to shrink the gland or lower hormone production. If Bobbi finds large nodules, tumors, or a goiter, she refers you to a specialist who can determine if they should be surgically removed.

If you have symptoms of thyroid disease, call Puentes Medical Consultants or book an appointment online today.