Thank you for your question. Whenever anyone receives a new medical diagnosis it can be challenging. It’s important to know, you are not alone. A lot of people around the world have thyroid disease.

The thyroid is an important gland that helps fuel your body, keep you energized, and keep your body systems all running smoothly. There are two types of thyroid disease, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism means that your thyroid hormone is low and likely your thyroid gland is struggling to make enough. Low thyroid hormone level can cause weight gain, depression, bloating, feeling cold, and more. Hyperthyroidism  is the opposite, meaning your thyroid is working super-fast (high=hyper).  A high thyroid hormone level can cause weight loss, hair loss, diarrhea, and more.

Lots of things can affect your thyroid levels. It’s important to check with your health care provider to rule those things out.

While hypothyroidism isn’t curable, the good news is that hypothyroidism can be managed with medications. It’s important to take your medication as prescribed to keep your body regulated and help decrease your symptoms. If you notice you are still having symptoms or your symptoms are getting worse, it’s a good idea to check with your health care provider. They may adjust the dose of your medicine.

Some people with hypothyroidism find it helpful to talk to a dietitian (a nutrition specialist). For more information check out our health guides: healthy eating