Thyroid Disease

January is Thyroid awareness month and there are an estimated 59 million Americans that have a thyroid problem or thyroid disease. Many people are not even aware that is linked to the symptoms they are experiencing. Not only does a thyroid problem increase the risk of obesity, depression, anxiety, infertility and heart disease, it usually is one of the last things the doctor takes a closer look at to help diagnose your symptoms.

The most common sign of a thyroid problem is feeling tired or fatigued even if you are getting plenty of sleep. Weight gain or weight loss without any diet change is another common sign of a thyroid issue called hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which mean under or over active thyroid.

Family history can play a role in thyroid problems as well. So check with your family to see if they were ever diagnosed with any type of thyroid abnormalities. Another common symptom that is often overlooked is depression or anxiety. So if you’re being treated for either of these disorders and the condition is not responding to medication, make sure to get an ultrasound on your thyroid to make sure it is functioning properly.

Not being able to control high cholesterol even with medications is another sign of a thyroid concern. Severe or long term constipation or irritable bowel syndrome, as well as hair and skin changes, joint or muscle pain or swelling and discomfort in your neck area are all concerns that should be addressed.

If you have any questions about how a quick, effective and painless ultrasound can help you, contact us at (951)972 2597 today for more information.

More Info on Thyroid Screening

Of the estimated 59 million Americans who have thyroid disease, and over half are undiagnosed. Frequently overlooked and misdiagnosed, thyroid disease affects almost every aspect of health. The thyroid helps set an individual’s metabolism. If a person has thyroid disease, his body uses energy more slowly or quickly than it should. An ultrasound scan of the thyroid is typically used to help diagnose a lump in the thyroid or one that is not functioning properly.

Preparation needed for your Thyroid health screening:

• Take medications as normal.
• Wear comfortable clothing (a loose fitting shirt or blouse) short sleeves are preferred.
• Do not wear neck jewelry or turtlenecks.

What is the Thyroid and its function?

Your thyroid gland is a small gland, normally weighing less than one ounce, located in the front of the neck. It is made up of two halves, called lobes, that lie along the windpipe (trachea) and are joined together by a narrow band of thyroid tissue, known as the isthmus. The thyroid is situated just below your "Adams apple" or larynx.

The function of the thyroid gland is to take iodine, found in many foods, and convert it into thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body which can absorb iodine. These cells combine iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to make T3 and T4. T3 and T4 are then released into the blood stream and are transported throughout the body where they control metabolism (conversion of oxygen and calories to energy). Every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism. The normal thyroid gland produces about 80% T4 and about 20% T3, however, T3 possesses about four times the hormone "strength" as T4.

What is an Ultrasound of the Thyroid?

Ultrasound imaging, does not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays). Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show any abnormalities and see if your thyroid is functioning properly.