About the Thyroid

The thyroid affects every cell in the body and has a particular influence on body weight, energy level, muscle strength, skin health, menstrual cycle (periods), memory, heart rate, and cholesterol levels. Located in the center of the neck, it plays an important role in your body as this gland regulates the body’s metabolism.

Thyroid disorders may affect as many as 25 million Americans.  Women are much more likely than men to have a thyroid problem. It is estimated that one out of eight women suffer from some sort of thyroid disease or disorder according to the National Women’s Health Information Center.

http://www.4woman.gov/

There are many diseases related to the thyroid.  In a recent study cited by the National Institutes of Health under active thyroids may have a relationship to heart disease.If these symptoms sound familiar

Ø      Physical energy sapped

Ø      Do you often feel mentally drained or sluggish

Ø      Loss of memory or concentration

Ø      Susceptible to “every cold that seems to come your way”

Ø      Plagues by constant sinus or respiratory infections

Ø      Reduced sex drive

Ø      Feet and hands often feel cold…

Then  you may be suffering from hypothyroidism. If you experience these symptoms Ø      Weight loss Ø      Feeling irritable and nervous Ø      Weakness in muscles and tremors Ø      Having menstrual periods that are not regular Ø      Troubled, or disturbed sleep Ø      Problems seeing or eye irritations Ø      Having an enlarged thyroid (goiter) Ø      Not being able to stand the heat Ø      Palpitations or rapid heart beats Ø      Frequent bowel movements   Then these may be signs of hyperthyroidism.

To learn more about the thyroid – disorders, diseases, and treatments click here.