The thyroid is a large glad found in a person’s neck. The thyroid gland controls the speed at which the body uses energy, makes proteins, and how sensitive the body is to other hormones.
Unfortunately, the thyroid gland can develop problems. These can range from harmless goiters to deadly cancers. In fact, it is estimated that 200 million people around the world suffer from some form of thyroid disease. In the United States, as many as 60% of people with thyroid disorders are unaware that they have them even if they have a long history of thyroid problems.
One such problem is called hyperthyroidism. The occurs when the thyroid gland causes a person’s metabolism to go into overdrive. Hypothyroidism symptoms include irritability, anxiety, rapid weight loss, and sleep disorders. The exact the cause of thyroid disease is relatively unknown. However, conditions like Graves’ disease, toxic adenomas, subacute thyroiditis, and pituitary gland malfunctions may play a role. In order to test for thyroid problems, a doctor will administer a THS test.
In rare situations, a person may develop cancer of the thyroid glad. People who have previously received radiation treatment to their head and neck, often as a remedy for acne, tend to have a higher than normal risk for developing thyroid cancer.
You should talk with your doctor if you have a history of thyroid problems in your family, think you are experiencing symptoms for thyroid disease, or would just like to know more about thyroid disease. You can also find more information on the internet or at your local library.