The small, butterfly-shaped thyroid gland that sits at the base of your neck might be unnoticeable when functioning normally. But it affects how your heart, brain, liver, kidneys, skin, and other body parts function. When your thyroid doesn't work right, your body suffers.
Your thyroid gland produces hormones that control the rate at which your body performs necessary tasks – how fast you burn the food you eat, how much energy your have to perform normal functions, your rate heart, and more. This is called your "metabolism."
Left untreated, a malfunctioning thyroid can lead to a number of serious health problems, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, uneven or accelerated heart beat, osteoporosis, depression, weight gain, infertility or pregnancy complications, and in extreme cases coma or death.
Common Disease
Thyroid disease is an autoimmune disease, and is linked to arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's, and other autoimmune diseases. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 15 to 20 percent of people with a personal or family history of type 1 diabetes are at a greater risk of testing positive for a thyroid disorder.
It's estimated that more than 27 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. That's about the same number as the combined total of Americans with diabetes and cancer. Unfortunately, only half of all Americans with thyroid disease are aware they have it.
Symptoms
People with thyroid disease often don't have any particular symptom to make them suspect a thyroid problem. Some people feel more tired, somewhat sad, or restless. A few people notice a swollen thyroid or experience neck pain.
Many symptoms of thyroid disease are frequently overlooked or attributed to something else (such as aging, overwork, or stress). When symptoms are present, they commonly include:
| Fatigue/Weakness |
Fatigue/Nervousness |
| Mood swings |
Weak muscles |
| Irregular periods (e.g. heavier flow) |
Irregular periods (e.g. decreased flow, less frequent periods) |
| Weight gain |
Weight loss |
| Loss of appetite |
Tremors (the "jitters") |
| Dry skin and hair, brittle nails |
Rapid heart beat |
| Loss of sex drive |
Increased sweating |
| Constipation |
More frequent bowel movements |
| Feeling cold |
Feeling hot |
| Hoarse voice |
Enlarged thyroid (swollen neck at base) |
| Puffiness around eyes |
Vision problems or eye irritation |
What to Do
If you recognize any of these symptoms, let your healthcare team know. A simple blood test can detect a thyroid malfunction.
If you're feeling just a little out of sorts, you should still mention that to your healthcare team. Because the symptoms of thyroid disease can be missed, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends routine screening for women who over age of 35, and men over the age of 60. |
