The thyroid is a small but important gland located in the neck. It regulates hormones that contribute to metabolism. When these hormones are thrown out of balance, the results can be disastrous. In this article, we are going to answer the question of “when is chronic fatigue the result of a thyroid problem?” We will take a look at when and why thyroid issues can cause fatigue, and how to go about treating the issue.
Thyroid Disorders
The thyroid gland, located in the neck, is responsible for producing hormones that help growth and metabolism. Due to a variety of factors, your thyroid can begin overproducing or underproducing hormones. This can, in turn, lead to a number of bodily issues.
A malfunctioning thyroid gland can cause a number of symptoms, such as:
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Inflammation or swelling in the neck
- Hair Loss
- Chronic fatigue
For now, let’s focus on the last symptom – chronic fatigue. Hypothyroidism (when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones) can cause a person to feel constantly tired, sluggish, exhausted, or depressed. These may seem like minor symptoms initially, but over time they can seriously impact a person’s ability to function.
Treating Thyroid Fatigue
To treat chronic fatigue caused a thyroid disorder your doctor will first perform various diagnostic tests to make sure hypothyroidism is the underlying causes of the fatigue. This can include a physical exam, blood tests, and more. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will recommend a treatment strategy. For most people, hypothyroidism can be treated with prescription medications that help regulate thyroid hormones. Surgery is typically not used to treat hypothyroidism (though it can be used to treat hyperthyroidism). However, if there are other factors present, such as thyroid nodules, surgery may be necessary.
If you are struggling with chronic fatigue – if you feel tired all the time and you can’t figure out why – make an appointment with a thyroid specialist today to diagnose your condition and discuss options for treatment.
