About 20 million Americans are diagnosed with thyroid disease. Therefore, you are not alone if you are enduring thyroid disease. The important part is understanding how to manage your situation to return to your quality of life. It would help if you implemented a long-term care and monitoring regime to manage the situation effectively. The Newport Beach endocrinologist can help you develop an effective treatment plan to eliminate your symptoms. You need to understand several facts about the condition to help you learn better ways to manage the condition. The following information can enlighten you more about thyroid disease.
You Can Have a Thyroid Disorder Without Knowing
Some people endure thyroid disease without knowing something is up. The initial signs of many thyroid disorders are subtle and can be easily attributed to other medical conditions and factors like aging. Therefore, it might take a while to realize that your thyroid gland is malfunctioning. Pay attention to any changes in your body and work with a qualified medical professional to catch the underlying condition. Talk to your doctor about your fatigue, decreased weight, joint pain, and stiffness, constipation, thinning hair, or increased cold sensitivity.
Thyroid Disease Can be Genetic
Some thyroid disorders run in families. You can inherit a thyroid disorder from your parent or grandparents and pass it on to your children. Therefore, it is critical to understand your family’s medical history and stay alert. Talk to your doctor about thyroid disease if you experience symptoms like cold or heat sensitivity, muscle or joint pain, and unexplained weight gain or loss, and you have a family history of the condition.
Thyroid Disease Can be a Factor in High Cholesterol
Enduring hypothyroidism can increase your chances of high cholesterol levels. Low thyroid hormone levels will gradually cause high cholesterol levels over time. Remember that high cholesterol increases your chances of developing health complications like stroke and heart disease. Therefore, the earlier you seek effective treatment for a thyroid disorder, the more chances you have of avoiding serious health issues.
Type 1 Diabetes Increases Thyroid Disorder Chances
Thyroid dysfunction is likely to occur in anyone with an immune condition. Type 1 diabetes is commonly known to increase the chances of developing thyroid disease, and you better talk to your doctor and seek a proper management plan. Other autoimmune complications that can increase your chances of developing thyroid disease include inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Medications Can Help Manage Thyroid Disease
Though most thyroid disorders require a long-term management plan, you can control your symptoms through medications. Some thyroid medications can help restore your thyroid hormone levels to normalcy, correcting some complications. You can also talk to your doctor about prescription medications to help you manage hyperthyroidism.
Surgery Can be Necessary
Sometimes conservative and minimally invasive treatment options might fail to manage thyroid disorders. Our doctor can recommend surgery to remove your thyroid if the problem cannot be corrected otherwise. However, your provider will first do everything to ensure you avoid surgery, and it only comes as the last option down the line.
Getting back to a quality life with a thyroid disease diagnosis is possible. All you need is proper medical treatment and a care regime. The specialists at Dr. Sean P. Nikravan, MD, FACE, can help you find the right treatment option. Make a call today and schedule a consultation appointment to get started.
