If you have never had a problem with your thyroid, you probably do not think twice about the tiny gland in your neck. However, thyroid health is essential to our well-being and can dramatically impact how we feel daily.
The American Thyroid Association estimates up to 60 percent of people with thyroid disease have no idea something is wrong. It is possible to live a normal and fulfilling life even with a thyroid disease, and early detection can lead to that much quicker for many people. Here is what you need to know about the hormone-producing gland that regulates your metabolism and impacts nearly every cell in your body.
1. Your thyroid is vital to most of your body’s functions.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the lower neck just below the Adam’s apple. Its job is to produce hormones that help control how your body uses energy, regulates your mood, and how the body functions. Thyroid hormones have a direct impact on how fast or slow many parts of your body work. When there is too much thyroid hormone, or not enough, it affects how your heart beats, how your digestive system breaks down food, how your muscles work, and how your brain processes information.
2. The thyroid can be over or underactive.
When the thyroid is underactive, a condition known as hypothyroidism, it does not produce enough hormones. Conversely, if the thyroid is overactive, referred to as hyperthyroidism, it makes too much thyroid hormone. This imbalance can cause significant symptoms, including:
- Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, unexplained weight gain, depression, constipation, and cold sensitivity.
- Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, a fast heart rate, shaky hands, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty sleeping.
Both conditions are diagnosed with blood tests, including the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test. Imaging studies may also be recommended to aid in diagnosis.
3. Nodules are common and often benign.
Thyroid nodules are lumps that appear in the gland. They may be felt on a routine exam or found during a diagnostic test like an ultrasound. Nodules are found in up to 50 percent of adults over age 60, and depending on the characteristics of nodules, your doctor may recommend routine monitoring. While most nodules are harmless, some can be cancerous. Over the past few decades, the number of people diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the U.S. has tripled. However, thyroid cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer.
4. Treatment is effective.
Once it is identified, thyroid dysregulation can be well managed. Medications are available to balance hormones with little side effects. They can also replace the thyroid function entirely if the thyroid has been surgically removed.
Hypothyroidism is usually treated by taking a daily hormone replacement tablet that replaces the amount of hormone that your thyroid is not making. Dosages are individualized and adjusted according to your lab results to achieve a normal TSH level for you. It’s important to take your thyroid medication as prescribed in the morning, separated properly from food and other drugs and supplements.
The treatment of hyperthyroidism depends on the cause and the individual patient. Treatments used in the management of hyperthyroidism include medications, radioactive iodine, radiofrequency ablation, or thyroid surgery.
5. Thyroid disease is common.
An estimated 20 million Americans have some type of thyroid disease, yet 60% of the estimated 20 million Americans with thyroid dysfunction are unaware of their condition. It can occur at any age and the cause varies. Women are five to eight times more likely to develop thyroid disease than men.
With proper diagnosis, thyroid disease can be successfully treated. As part of Thyroid Awareness Month, we encourage you to take the thyroid neck check below:
- Get a hand-held mirror and a glass of water and find your thyroid gland (lower front of your neck, above the collarbone, and below the voice box).
- Tip your head, take a drink of water, and as you swallow, look at your neck for bulges. (Don’t confuse your Adam’s apple with the thyroid gland.)
- If you see bulges, make an appointment with your physician or advanced practice provider as you may have an enlarged thyroid gland or thyroid nodule.
If you suspect you have thyroid disease, talk openly with your doctor or advanced practice provider about your symptoms and any concerns or questions you have. Through these conversations and shared decision-making, you can work together to find the best treatment plan for you.