Comprehensive Hypothyroid Care In Greenville SC
Low thyroid or hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is not making enough thyroid hormone for the body to function normally. Typically, it’s detected when patients complain of symptoms associated with the condition. Thyroid hormone helps the body use energy, so symptoms are usually indicative of processes within the body slowing down: constipation, fatigue, dry skin, depression or weight gain. When low thyroid is suspected, physicians typically run a simple blood test that tests for thyroid hormone.
There are a variety of possible causes for low thyroid, including surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, radiation treatment, or a congenital condition. Autoimmune disease is another possible cause of low thyroid, especially in women. Hashimoto’s disease is the most common type of autoimmune disease that results in low thyroid.
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease that involves an attack on the thyroid gland cells. The body’s immune system that’s designed to attack invading infections mistakes the thyroid as a threat. The attacked thyroid is unable to make enough thyroid hormone to meet the body’s needs. Hashimoto’s can start suddenly, or it may develop slowly over the course of many years.
The symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease are not the same as symptoms of low thyroid. The condition known as low thyroid, or an inability of the thyroid to produce sufficient thyroid hormone, is another possible symptom of Hashimoto’s that occurs as they thyroid is attacked.
Understanding the difference between Hashimoto’s disease and low thyroid is very important for patients who want to make an educated choice about their health care. Hashimoto’s is often left undetected by traditional medicine, even when patients fail to feel better after low thyroid therapy with medication. Even when it is detected, it isn’t often addressed. This may in part be due to the fact that there is no pharmaceutical solution for autoimmune disease.
As a Hashimoto’s disease patient, it is likely you will need to seek out care from an alternative health care provider outside traditional care options. Functional wellness practitioners are a good choice, as they are experienced in taking a comprehensive approach to health and well being that includes effective, natural therapy options. A wellness practitioner can provide thyroid care that looks beyond ‘symptoms’ such as low thyroid, to the underlying cause of the problem—Hashimoto’s disease.
