Getting a Thyroid Condition Diagnosed
When substituting teaching a room of fourth graders one day I had a girl ask me what was in my neck? I could feel my face turn and I replied to her that I wasn’t quite sure. I had adults asking me that on and off my whole life but it took a fourth grader to make me sit down and call my doctor. My neck looked as though I has swallowed a frisbee. I was always tired, moody, I had chronic dry skin and brittle nails, clearly something was wrong.
One bllod test later I was diagnosed with Hypothroidism, a common condition, especially in women that effects the production of your thyroid galnd. Mine was so swollen because I had probably had this condition my whole life and immediately after having my first child the gland in my neck had swelled. Because I did not have this condition diagnosed before my pregnancy this gland had to work overtime to support me. My doctor told me I was lucky I didn’t miscarry or even slip into a coma, it’s that important.
If you suspect any of the symptoms, fatigue, unexplained weightgain, dry skin, brittle nails, constiaption and moodiness, the first step to make and appointment with your doctor. These symptoms could represent a number of thing which makes diagnosing the condition sometimes hard. A blood test will ultimately give you an anwser but even that may be difficult. When you have either an ovr or underactive thyroid the galnd works so hard to adjust itself that your levels may not reflect a problem in you bllod test results and several tests may be needed. The levels you are checking are called your TSH levels, when these hormonal levels are not balanced it effects the tissues, cells and organs in your body. The body actually attacks it’s own immune system.
The good news is that both that under and over active thyroids, particularly Hyprothyroidism, are commons conditions that are usually treated with hormone replacement therapy. If diagnosed your physician will match a does that will maintain your thyroid and produce the correct hormonal levels. You will need to forever maitain your condition with a bllod test every year to see if you levels need to be adjusted. The therapy is through an oral prescription taken daily. There are certain times when you will need to visit your doctor to be tested more frequently, such as preganancy.
Having your throid at the proper levels will effect how you feel both emotionally and phsically. If you suspect you may need to be tested conculy your primary care physician for a consultation. You may also visit a number of helpful websited such as www.throid.org. Women’s healthcare sites always have information as well. Getting help and medication could truly change your life.
