According to thesurgicalclinics.com, “the thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland located just above your collarbone and in front of the windpipe. This gland controls important functions such as regulating breathing, heart rate, body weight, muscle strength, cholesterol, and body temperature.”
This month, we’re raising awareness to help you recognize symptoms of thyroid problems and learn about prevention, treatment options, and cures.
Having an overactive or underactive thyroid can cause health problems. Today, we’ll discuss hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer.
According to thesurgicalclinics.com, “Hyperthyroidism, occurs when your thyroid gland produces excess levels of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. This thyroid disease can increase your body’s metabolism, causing weight loss and an irregular heartbeat.”
“Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This disease can disrupt things such as heart rate, body temperature, and all aspects of metabolism. Major symptoms include fatigue, cold sensitivity, constipation, dry skin and unexplained weight gain.”
“Thyroid Cancer begins when the cells grow and multiply rapidly. These cells form a tumor and the abnormal cells can spread throughout the body. There are no early symptoms. As the cells grow, they may case a lump in the neck, swollen lymph glands, voice changes, and difficulty swallowing.”
According to thyroid.org, “antithyroid medication, radioactive iodine, and surgery are all effective treatments and can restore thyroid function to normal.”
For more information on thyroid problems and to find a local endocrinologist, visit https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/find-an-endocrinologist-directory.
#ThyroidAwarenessMonth
