We live in the Information Age where we can easily find out anything we want about, well, anything. This extends into the medical arena as well, allowing anyone to search for diseases based on their symptoms. One set of conditions, those dealing with the thyroid gland, are being searched more and more often as higher numbers of people are being diagnosed with one of a number of thyroid issues. As January is Thyroid Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to talk about this vital gland, the conditions affecting it and how you can tell if you have a thyroid condition.
The thyroid gland (in red) controls functions in many of our body’s most critical organs and systems.
The thyroid gland, positioned in the neck just under the larynx (voice box), influences the function of many of the body’s most important organs like the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. Therefore, any condition impacting this gland can be damaging to your overall health. Around 35 million Americans already suffer from thyroid issues, and thyroid cancer is one of the fastest growing cancer diagnoses in the country.
There are several conditions affecting the thyroid besides thyroid cancer: hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone), hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid nodules and various conditions seen during pregnancy and infancy. So, how do you know if you have one of these conditions?
First, if your family has a history of thyroid issues, chances are you will have one as well. Another common warning sign is neck swelling and/or tenderness, as well as fatigue (even if you are getting adequate sleep every night). Also, sudden feelings of depression (hypothyroidism) or anxiety/panic (hyperthyroidism) are common warning signs as well. Your doctor can also perform a physical exam on your neck to feel for abnormalities as well.
Thyroid issues can lead to severe health consequences, so we at Hammer Medical encourage you to know the warning signs and seek professional medical help. A healthy thyroid means better overall health for you and your loved ones!
Tags: hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid, thyroid gland, Thyroid Health Awareness Month