 | Thyroid disease
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The thyroid, a bow tie shaped gland that is situated in the front of the neck, is responsible for regulating the body's metabolism. Unfortunately, approximately 10 million Americans have been diagnosed with thyroid disease and another 13 million Americans have thyroid disorders of which they are unaware. Since thyroid disease can affect almost every aspect of health, understanding more about its function and learning to recognize signs of trouble is crucial.Hypothyroidism
The most common thyroid disorder, hypothyroidism, occurs when too little thyroid hormone is produced and affects an estimated 11 million Americans. Left untreated, it can have significant and potentially life threatening health consequences.Symptoms
Decreased heart rate
Unexplained weight gain
Fatigue
Difficulty swallowing
Constipation
Cold intolerance
Depression/mental
sluggishness
Menstrual irregularities/infertility Hyperthyroidism
The overproduction of thyroid hormone, or hyperthyroidism, exhibits the symptoms of a body in overdrive. Approximately 2 million people in the United States suffer from hyperthyroidism.Symptoms
Nervousness, irritability, diminished concentration
Increased heart rate and palpitations
Fatigue
Heat intolerance and sweating
Loss of weight/changes in appetite
Tremors/muscle weakness
Eye problems, such as bulging appearance
Frequent bowel movements/diarrhea
Sleep disturbances
Menstrual disturbances Other thyroid disorders
There are other thyroid disorders such as thyroid cancer, goiter, and thyroiditis. The symptoms may be similar to those of hyper- and hypothyroidism. Fortunately, treatment has proven highly successful especially when problems are detected early.Be aware of the symptoms of thyroid disease and see your doctor if you think that you might have a thyroid problem. For more information, call 1-800-THYROID or visit The Thyroid Society Web site. |
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