Fatigue, Weight Change, Memory Problems? Visiting Angels Discusses Thyroid Problems

You may be noticing problems with your mother or father. A loved one who was once active could be feeling fatigued. You may notice weight gain. Your loved one may have a constant neck pain. Usually this makes people think that their loved one is sick, but your family doctor can’t see any of the normal symptoms. Is this just the result of aging? Or is something else going on?

At times like these, Visiting Angels wants you to consider the possibility of a thyroid disorder. Symptoms of thyroid disorders are incredibly broad, including:

• Tremors
• Poor concentration
• Racing heartbeat
• Feeling too hot
• Feeling too cold

Because the symptoms of thyroid problems are so varied (and are shared by other more common issues like the common flu), you may not think of a thyroid disorder immediately.

The thyroid gland is a gland in your neck that controls your metabolism by producing hormones. One of the reasons thyroid disorders have so many possible symptoms is because the thyroid gland can’t create problems if it gets too active or too inactive. Hypothyroidism (not enough hormones) leads feeling cold and sluggish. Hyperthyroidism (too many hormones) leads to agitation and heat intolerance. Thyroid cancer may be considered a thyroid disorder, and can have a wide variety of symptoms. Visiting Angels recommends consulting with a medical professional if you suspect that your loved one has a thyroid disorder.

Most tests for thyroid disorders are one-time ordeals. A Visiting Angels caregiver can drive your loved one to and from the doctor’s office. In the office, your loved one will have their blood drawn, and then that blood will be sent off to a lab for inspection. Most thyroid tests (such as TSH) have a turnaround time of about 1 business day. There are a variety of thyroid tests your loved one can undergo, but some common tests are TSH, TPOAb, and TSI. These tests monitor the quantities of a specific hormone or antibody in the bloodstream. Make sure to get specific numbers for the tests that are run, so you can take them to other medical professionals.

Visiting Angels of Auburn, NH provides in home care services to families in Auburn, Candia, Derry, Goffstown, Dunbarton, Londonderry, Raymond, Salem, Manchester, Hooksett, Bedford, Suncook, Weare, Concord, Bow, Atkinson, Deerfield, Sandown, Hampstead, Chester, Fremont, Allenstown, Pembroke, Hopkinton, Danville, and other areas around Auburn, New Hampshire.