What Is a Thyroid Problem?
Millions of Americans have thyroid problems and don't know it. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the throat below the Adam's apple. Its function is to secrete hormones involved in growth and metabolism. When this gland doesn't function properly, it can affect many aspects of health, including energy level, depression and weight. Undiagnosed thyroid problems can lead to serious health problems, such as obesity or anxiety.
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Facts
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Thyroid problems are very common, especially among women. About 80 percent of patients with thyroid disease are women, and thyroid problems are commonly diagnosed during pregnancy. About one in 5,000 babies are born with hypothyroidism. Some thyroid problems, such as Graves' disease are autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks healthy tissue instead of invading bacteria or viruses. A more serious but less common problem is thyroid cancer. More than 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with thyroid cancer each year.
Types of Thyroid Problems
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Thyroid problems range from very minor troubles, such as an enlarged gland (goiter) to very serious, life-threatening problems, such as thyroid cancer. Most people with thyroid problems fall somewhere in the middle. The most common abnormalities are a thyroid that produces too little hormone (hypothyroidism) or a thyroid that overproduces thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). Other thyroid conditions include Hashimoto's disease, Graves' disease and thyroid nodules.
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Identifying a Thyroid Problem
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Symptoms of a thyroid problem are similar to symptoms of other diseases, so they can be easy to overlook. Problems such as inability to lose weight, infertility, lack of a sex drive, and cholesterol levels that don't respond to medication can all indicate a thyroid problem. Mental confusion and depression can be signs of a thyroid problem. Symptoms of low thyroid include fatigue, intolerance to cold, depression and forgetfulness. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, intolerance to heat, insomnia, nervousness and diarrhea.
Considerations
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Although the thyroid gland weighs only about an ounce, it is a busy and important gland. Five times its own weight in blood pass through the gland every minute. Even though you're not aware of this gland, it is constantly regulating your appetite, your metabolism and even your general appearance. The thyroid has some effect on the glossiness of the hair and on whether the skin is dry or moist.
Warning
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Regular screenings for thyroid problems are recommended for everyone over age 35, because the risk of thyroid disease increases with age in both women and men. Undiagnosed thyroid problems can lead to very serious health complications, such as raised cholesterol levels, heart disease and ovarian cancer.
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Resources
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