Is your thyroid working properly?
The American Thyroid Association (ATA) estimates that 20 million Americans suffer from some form of thyroid disease—60% of whom aren’t diagnosed. Also, women are 5 to 8 times more likely to have problems than men. It is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your throat and may be the most powerful part of your internal anatomy. The hormones it pumps out regulate everything from your appetite and energy levels to your body’s internal thermostat. That’s all well and good when it’s working properly. But because it is so versatile, if it acts up, you could feel the effects in unpredictable ways. Symptoms can be associated with other common health conditions—such as menopause, depression and chronic fatigue syndrome. Because symptoms vary, lots of people are living with thyroid issues without realizing it. While no individual health issue is a sure sign, there are symptoms commonly linked to an over- or under-active gland. Under-Active Thyroid (Hypothyroidism) According to the Endocrine Society, symptoms of under active thyroid include: • Feeling cold all or much of the time • Chronic fatigue or muscle pain • Dry skin • Hair loss • Abnormally heavy periods • Weight gain • Constipation Over-Active Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism) According to the Endocrine Society, symptoms of over active thyroid include: • Eyes bulging • Feeling hot all the time • Heart racing, especially during exercise • Anxiety or nervousness • Vision problems • Weight loss • Increased sweating and/or clammy hands • Increased bowel movements • Abnormally light periods The Bottom Line Thyroid problems are unpredictable. Because the associated symptoms are inconsistent from person to person, diagnosis can be difficult. If you’re experiencing a couple of the symptoms mentioned above, see your doctor.
The American Thyroid Association (ATA) estimates that 20 million Americans suffer from some form of thyroid disease—60% of whom aren’t diagnosed. Also, women are 5 to 8 times more likely to have problems than men. It is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your throat and may be the most powerful part of your internal anatomy. The hormones it pumps out regulate everything from your appetite and energy levels to your body’s internal thermostat. That’s all well and good when it’s working properly. But because it is so versatile, if it acts up, you could feel the effects in unpredictable ways. Symptoms can be associated with other common health conditions—such as menopause, depression and chronic fatigue syndrome. Because symptoms vary, lots of people are living with thyroid issues without realizing it. While no individual health issue is a sure sign, there are symptoms commonly linked to an over- or under-active gland. Under-Active Thyroid (Hypothyroidism) According to the Endocrine Society, symptoms of under active thyroid include: • Feeling cold all or much of the time • Chronic fatigue or muscle pain • Dry skin • Hair loss • Abnormally heavy periods • Weight gain • Constipation Over-Active Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism) According to the Endocrine Society, symptoms of over active thyroid include: • Eyes bulging • Feeling hot all the time • Heart racing, especially during exercise • Anxiety or nervousness • Vision problems • Weight loss • Increased sweating and/or clammy hands • Increased bowel movements • Abnormally light periods The Bottom Line Thyroid problems are unpredictable. Because the associated symptoms are inconsistent from person to person, diagnosis can be difficult. If you’re experiencing a couple of the symptoms mentioned above, see your doctor.
