Thyroid.org

Have you had an unexplained change in weight, energy level or blood pressure? While you might think these changes are stress or age related, they could be symptoms of a thyroid disorder. January is Thyroid Awareness Month and presents an opportunity to learn more about the butterfly-shaped gland that regulates most of your body’s metabolic processes.

The thyroid gland is located on your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. The hormones it produces act throughout your body, influencing metabolism, growth and development, and body temperature. When the thyroid produces too few hormones (hypothyroidism) or too many hormones (hyperthyroidism), it affects your body’s ability to use energy. This can lead to a variety of conditions from weight changes and hair loss to heart palpitations and mood swings.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms
• Weight gain
• Slow heart rate or low blood pressure
• Low energy level or depression
• Neck swelling
• Hair loss
• Chills or cold feeling
• Dry skin or brittle nails
• Numb or tingling hands
• Constipation
• Heavy menstrual periods

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
• Weight loss
• Fast heart rate, high blood pressure or heart palpitations
• High energy level, irritability, restlessness, insomnia
• Neck swelling
• Hair loss
• Excessive sweating or heat aversion
• Muscle weakness
• Trembling hands
• Vision problems
• Diarrhea
• Irregular menstrual periods

Thyroid disorders most often affect women and can be diagnosed with a blood test. The American Thyroid Association recommends that women over the age of 35 undergo thyroid screening every five years.