The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland on the front of the neck that communicates with the brain to produce and controls specific hormones. These hormones control many functions in the body, like metabolic rate, heart rate, body temperature, sweating, digestive function, and so much more. 

The thyroid can develop issues and produce hormones at a slower rate (hypothyroidism) or a faster rate (hyperthyroidism), the most common being hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism are;

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• Fatigue

• Cold sensitivity

• Constipation

• Dry skin

• Brittle nails

• Hair loss

• Weight gain

• Enlarged thyroid

• High cholesterol

• Slow heart rate

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Hashimoto's, a form of hypothyroidism, is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid. This is when your own immune system sees your thyroid as foreign and mounts an immune response causing an inflamed thyroid gland that destroys thyroid cells. 

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Thyroid evaluation and treatment is a personalized process that involves blood tests that check your levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Free T3, Free T4, and other labs when appropriate.

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be prescribed, increasing the thyroid hormones your body no longer produces. Your provider at Harmony HealthSpan can determine the best medication and dose specific to you.