Overview Online Thyroid Care

The thyroid is a gland located in the neck, just underneath Adam’s apple. This gland controls your metabolism and the hormones related to metabolism, protein synthesis, bone growth, and adrenaline. Obviously, the thyroid is an important part of your system. Discover the different types of thyroid issues and how to detect them.

Types of Thyroid Issues

The thyroid is connected to several other networks in the body. This is why it can affect other areas — as well as cause adverse symptoms in the heart, lungs, sweat glands, and more. Some of the most common types of thyroid issues include:

• Goiters
• Graves' disease
• Hashimoto's disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothyroidism
• Thyroid cancer
• Thyroid infections
• Thyroid nodules

Are Thyroid Problems Serious?

Not all thyroid problems are serious, but you should always contact your doctor if you think you may have a thyroid issue. Some thyroid problems (such as goiters) should go away on their own, but others need antibiotics, hormone treatments, or even radiation to cure. 

What Causes Thyroid Issues?

Thyroid issues can be caused by a long list of factors. Many thyroid problems are genetic while others can be avoided altogether. The most common causes of thyroid issues include:

• Genetics
• Poor hygiene
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Autoimmune diseases
• Hormone imbalances
• Food sensitivities
• Exposure to high levels of radiation

What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Problems?

The most common symptoms of thyroid problems include:

• Constipation
• Depression
• Dry skin
• Excessive sweating
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Goiters
• Hand tremors
• Insomnia
• Irregular heartbeat
• Joint fatigue
• Overly frequent bowel movements
• Muscle pain
• Muscle weakness
• Pale skin 
• Retaining water
• Slow heart rate
• Unusual weight gain or weight loss

Can I Check My Thyroid at Home?

You can check your own thyroid for non-serious conditions and to do a preliminary check for more serious issues. A self-thyroid check is kind of like a self-breast exam; you can perform the initial check yourself, but you should always contact an online doctor for the most accurate information.

To check your own thyroid, simply tilt your head back and take a sip of water while looking at your throat in a mirror (handheld mirrors are best as you can see yourself while tilting your head). If you see any protrusions, you should contact a doctor. 

Even if you don’t see protrusions and suspect something is off, we still recommend contacting a doctor to rule out any possible health concerns.

Diagnosis of Thyroid Issues

To diagnose a thyroid issue, your doctor may first need to do a preliminary check to rule out any other possible conditions. Some of the most common diagnostic tests may include:

• Antibody test
• At-home EverlyWell thyroid finger prick test
• CT scan
• MRI
• PET scan
• Radioiodine scan
• Ultrasound
• X-ray

Preventing Thyroid Issues

Luckily, thyroid issues are mostly preventable. Simple lifestyle changes can prevent issues down the line. To prevent thyroid issues, we recommend:

• Abstaining from eating too much-unfermented soy
• Checking your thyroid regularly
• Lowering stress through mindfulness and meditation apps
• Maintaining healthy iodine levels 
• Quitting smoking
• Sticking to low-impact exercises

Treatments for Thyroid Issues

Thyroid treatments vary, depending on the type of issue. Some doctors will recommend lifestyle changes while others will recommend antibiotics or hormone treatments. Some of the most common thyroid treatments include:

• Antibiotics
• Radiation
• Hormone treatments
• Probiotics
• Increasing vitamins
• Avoiding trigger foods

If you’re concerned that you might have hypo or hyperthyroidism, a goiter, or other thyroid-related problems, contact an online doctor or schedule an appointment for an at-home blood test.