Im a doctor here are signs you need to get your thyroid checked
More than 12% of Americans will develop a thyroid condition at some point, with women at greater risk than men.The thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ in the front of your neck, produces hormones that regulate metabolism, support growth and promote brain development, among other vital functions.Dr.Kepal Patel, co-director of NYU Langone Health’s Thyroid Program and chief of the Division of Endocrine Surgery, gave us the lowdown on the thyroid, symptoms that may indicate thyroid dysfunction and common treatments.What is the thyroid gland, and how does it work?The thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system, producing hormones that regulate your metabolism, affecting how your body uses energy.
These hormones influence nearly every organ, impacting heart rate, body temperature and digestion.When your thyroid isn’t working properly, it can impact your entire body.What are the early warning signs and symptoms of thyroid disease?There are several types of thyroid disease, each with distinct symptoms.
Early warning signs include a slow or rapid heart rate, unexplained weight changes (gain or loss), sensitivity to cold or heat, depression or anxiety, persistent fatigue and irregular menstrual periods. In hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain and feeling cold.This can result from conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder and the most prevalent cause in regions where iodized salt and other iodine-rich foods are widely available.
Iodine deficiency can also lead to hypothyroidism, while congenital hypothyroidism refers to cases where babies are born with a missing or underactive thyroid. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), can cause anxiety, weight loss, a racing heart and feeling unusually hot.It’s often linked to Graves’ disease, another autoimmune condition that overstimulates the thyroid.
Thyroid nodules, which are abnormal lumps in the thyroid, and e...