The thyroid gland is a small organ that can have significant effects on your overall health. The American Thyroid Association estimates that 12 percent of Americans will develop some type of thyroid related condition over their lifetimes, ranging from relatively minor to requiring advanced treatment. Are you curious about whether you might have a thyroid problem? Read on to find out, and if you are concerned that you may have developed a condition, call Russak Personalized Medicine in Greenwood Village, CO, to arrange an appointment with Dr. Floyd Russak, your primary care doctor.
What Is the Thyroid and What Does It Do?
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that helps regulate the performance of cells in your body. It is the gland that controls your metabolism and energy levels. It produces hormones that affect your various bodily functions including the heart, brain, digestive system, muscles, and bone strength. In women, it can have an effect on the menstrual cycle.
Signs of a Thyroid Problem
There are three common issues related to the thyroid: hypothyroidism (not enough hormone production), hyperthyroidism (too much hormone production; related to Graves’ disease), and thyroid cancer. Here are some signs you should seek treatment from a primary care doctor at our Greenwood Village office:
- Feeling tired and fatigued all of the time
- Memory issues.
- Depression and irritability.
- Muscle weakness.
- Unexplained weight gain (hypothyroidism) or loss (hyperthyroidism).
- Bulging eyes and other eye or vision problems.
- Lump in the neck and trouble swallowing or talking.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Some people have a normal thyroid level, but still have several of the above symptoms, you may have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome caused by Thyroid Resistance. Dr. Russak has trained under Jacob Teitelbaum, MD at Harvard and is expert at diagnosing and treating this problem, where thyroid blood tests are normal but thyroid receptors on your cells are not responding adequately to your thyroid.
Thyroid Treatments Available
Once diagnosed through an exam, blood test, and/or biopsy, thyroid problems are often very treatable. These are some of the treatment options you’ll discuss with your doctor:
- Natural medication to help regulate and normalize the thyroid gland.
- Surgical removal of tumors on the thyroid and radioactive iodine therapy.
- Health, diet, and habit adjustments to promote healthy thyroid function.
Regain Healthy Thyroid Function
Set a time to visit Dr. Russak, your primary care doctor in Greenwood Village, by calling (303) 221-6797 today.
