What Are the Common Symptoms of Thyroid Problems?
While certain symptoms such as unexplained weight fluctuations may be associated with a thyroid condition, it’s often hard to tell because there are several distinct thyroid issues, and their symptoms overlap with various other health concerns. Diagnosis involves a thorough clinical assessment by a licensed healthcare provider, including blood tests measuring thyroid hormone levels, imaging studies such as ultrasound or scans, and sometimes a biopsy to determine the nature of thyroid nodules.
Certain individuals may have a higher likelihood of thyroid-related conditions. Women may be more commonly affected, potentially related to hormonal fluctuations. A family history of thyroid disease also increases the likelihood. Additionally, individuals with medical conditions such as pernicious anemia, Type 1 diabetes, or autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis may have an increased association with thyroid conditions.
Hypothyroidism
When the thyroid gland is underactive, not enough thyroid hormones are produced. A common cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where the body’s immune system affects the thyroid tissue. Other possible causes include iodine deficiency, certain medications, or previous thyroid surgery, as evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Commonly reported symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold which may be related to reduced metabolism. Individuals may also experience dry skin, hair loss, and muscle weakness. Additional symptoms can include Cognitive difficulties, menstrual cycle irregularities and cholesterol levels changes, as evaluated by a health care provider.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive. This leads to excessive production of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Hyperthyroidism may be related to inflammation or Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition where the immune system stimulates the thyroid to produce more hormones.
Commonly reported symptoms of hyperthyroidism are unintentional weight loss, rapid heartbeat, heightened anxiety, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, and difficulty sleeping. Individuals may also notice changes in bowel habits and muscle weakness. Grave’s disease is commonly associated with bulging eyes due to inflammation of the eye muscles and tissues, as identified through clinical evaluation.
Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths or lumps of variable size that form within the thyroid gland. They may be associated with factors such as iodine deficiency, inflammation, or genetic predisposition, as identified through clinical evaluation. While the majority of thyroid nodules are benign and asymptomatic, some may be associated with symptoms or be an indication of an underlying thyroid disorder.
Symptoms include neck swelling, difficulty swallowing, or a feeling of tightness in the throat. In some cases, nodules can produce excess thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism symptoms, as identified by appropriate medical evaluation.
What are the Thyroid-Related Options at a Compounding Pharmacy?
Approaches to thyroid care vary based on individual needs and provider direction. In many cases, management may involve thyroid hormone medications prescribed to address provider-identified hormone requirements. Depending on the clinical situation, healthcare providers may consider different hormone types, strengths, and release profiles when developing a plan.
At a compounding pharmacy, pharmacists can work with providers to prepare customized thyroid hormone formulations, including:
- T3 available in immediate-release (IR) or sustained-release (SR) forms
- T3/T4 combination capsules, also available in IR or SR options
Compounding allows for individualized dosing and formulation flexibility, which may be helpful when standard strengths or dosage forms do not align with a provider’s prescribed plan. Customized options can also accommodate patient-specific considerations such as sensitivity to excipients or preference for certain dosage forms.
In addition to compounded options, Wells Pharmacy Network can also provide select commercial thyroid medications upon request, including:
- Armour® Thyroid
- Liothyronine Sodium (T3)
- NP Thyroid®
Whether compounded or commercial, all thyroid medications are dispensed pursuant to a valid prescription and prepared to support provider-directed care.
Although some thyroid conditions are temporary, many require ongoing medication.However, finding the optimal dosage can be challenging. In situations where commercially available options do not meet individual needs, prescribers may consider compounded thyroid formulations, which can be tailored to the individual’s requirement and adjusted over time. Wells Pharmacy Network compounds pursuant to valid prescriptions and can respond to provider or patient inquires. Call us at Wells Pharmacy Network to talk to one of our pharmacists about thyroid medication.
Disclaimer: Compounded preparations are customized for individual patients and have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safety or efficacy.
