The facts about thyroid disease

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For the most part, your thyroid is a dependable gland that goes about its business making hormones efficiently and effectively. WebMD.com describes it thus: ““The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the throat. It produces hormones that manage the speed of your metabolism-the system that helps the body use energy.” Unfortunately, there are times when the thyroid falls down on the job. I found this here: The Truth about Your Thyroid


There are several troubles associated with thyroid disease, including depression, exhaustion, and hair loss. At times, it is even mistaken for menopause. According to the Harvard Medical School, “An out-of kilter thyroid gland causes a variety of puzzling symptoms and many people and doctors mistake them for indications of another disease or normal aging. Over 12 million Americans have thyroid disease, many of whom do not realize it.”


Weight gain and thyroid disease


Of the two types of thyroid disease, hypothyroidism is by far the most common, occurring in approximately 80% of all cases. The symptoms of this type of disease contain brain fog, chills, and weight gain. These symptoms stem from the underproduction of the important metabolic hormones released by the thyroid. Over time, hypothyroidism can contribute to high cholesterol, which has been shown to increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Losing weight and thyroid disease

A much smaller percentage of people suffer from hyperthyroidism, or the overproduction of the thyroid hormone. The most common symptoms contain rapid weight loss, anxiety, and irritability. If left untreated, people have been known to develop heart issues and experience increased bone fragility


Diagnosis


Like any type of effective prevention, the best defense is a good offense. The American Thyroid Association suggests, “Everyone should be screened for thyroid dysfunction every five years, beginning at age 35.” If you are diagnosed, the treatment is simple, according to WebMD.com, which tells us, “Your doctor will most likely prescribe thyroid hormones in the form of a pill. This generally leads to noticeable improvements within a couple of weeks. Long-term treatment can result in more energy, lower cholesterol amounts, and gradual weight loss.”




Sources


WebMD.com
Harvard Health Publications