From fatigue and muscle soreness to nausea and headaches, thyroid and parathyroid conditions can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. These side effects may interrupt your life, but the experts at Puget Sound ENT will provide a personalized treatment plan that will allow you to get back to doing what means the most to you. We have expert surgeons who will provide the highest quality of care for the thyroid or parathyroid conditions you are experiencing.
What Do the Thyroid and Parathyroid Do?
The thyroid is an endocrine gland near the collarbone that produces a hormone that regulates metabolism.
The parathyroid is in the neck and controls control how much calcium enters the bloodstream and certain tissues.
Thyroid Conditions
- Hyperthyroidism is the result of excess thyroid hormone production and can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, nervousness, fatigue, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, tremors, weight loss and increased bowel movement frequency.
- Hypothyroidism is the result of inadequate hormone production and can cause depression, fatigue, sore muscles, dry skin, puffy face, swollen legs, weight gain, constipation and sensitivity to cold.
- Thyroid nodules are lumps in the thyroid gland that can cause difficulties breathing or swallowing, as well as hormone overproduction.
Parathyroid Conditions
- Hyperparathyroidism occurs when excess hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and create high calcium and low phosphorous levels. It can lead to osteoporosis, kidney stones, bone and joint pain, weakness, lethargy, loss of concentration, depression, loss of appetite, constipation, nausea and vomiting.
- Hypoparathyroidism occurs when too little parathyroid hormone is created and leads to low calcium levels and high phosphorous levels. It can lead to weakness, anxiety, fatigue, muscle aches and cramps, headaches, muscle spasms, cataracts, depression, mood swings, memory loss and tingling sensations in the fingers, toes and lips.
What Causes Thyroid and Parathyroid Disorders?
Causes of hyperthyroidism include the autoimmune disorder Graves’ disease, inflammation of the thyroid, thyroid nodules, and pituitary gland tumors.
Causes of hypothyroidism include the autoimmune disorder Hashimoto’s disease, excessive response to hyperthyroidism treatment, thyroid surgery, radiation therapy and certain medications.
Causes of thyroid modules include Iodine deficiency, Hashimoto’s disease, thyroid cyst, enlarged thyroid, excess tissue growth and cancer.
Causes of hyperparathyroidism include a benign tumor in the parathyroid gland and an enlarged parathyroid gland.
Causes of hypoparathyroidism include injury, endocrine disorders and genetic conditions.
What Treatments Are Available?
Some thyroid conditions can be treated with medication. In other cases, particularly when cancer has been detected, our provider may recommend removing the thyroid.
Your doctor will determine the best course of action for treating the thyroid or parathyroid disorder you’re experiencing and take the time to thoroughly explain the condition and what the next steps are. They’ll be by your side helping you navigate this process.
Call Puget Sound ENT for more information or to schedule an appointment.