According to the American Thyroid Association, 12% of the American population will experience thyroid problems at some point in their lifetime. Around 20 million people are estimated to have thyroid issues, but up to 60% of those affected are not diagnosed. Asking for a thyroid test could reveal a reason for many chronic symptoms you may have been experiencing for years.
At Apex Medical Professionals located in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, Dr. Walid Elkhalili, and Dr. Basel Batarseh can do a complete assessment of your thyroid function and find out if thyroid issues could be causing adverse effects on your metabolism, energy levels, or heart functions.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located low in the front of the throat, wrapping around the windpipe. It is responsible for producing hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and energy.
There are many signs of insufficient thyroid hormones or an overabundance of the same. If you have hyperthyroidism, your thyroid is overactive and produces too much of the hormones. If you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid is underactive and produces fewer hormones than it should.
The warning signs of hyperthyroidism are similar to many other health problems, and this is one reason thyroid issues are so often misdiagnosed. A combination of any of the following may indicate that your thyroid is overactive:
Treatment for hyperthyroidism can mean taking medication or radioactive iodine to slow thyroid hormone production, or thyroid surgery.
The warning signs of hypothyroidism also mimic other common health conditions, and are often dismissed because a patient is overweight or obese. A combination of any of the following may indicate that your thyroid is underactive:
Treatment for hypothyroidism usually consists of thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
If you think your thyroid could be the cause of your health issues, the correct diagnosis and treatment can make a world of difference. Call our office at 201-797-2003 or use our online booking feature to request an appointment.
