The thyroid gland may be small, but it plays a big role in our overall health and well-being. Located in the front of the neck, the thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate our metabolism, growth, and development.
What Is the Thyroid Gland?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It produces two main hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones regulate the metabolism of every cell in the body, including how fast we burn calories and how quickly our heart beats.
Thyroid hormones also play a critical role in growth and development, particularly of the brain and nervous system. In infants and children, an underactive thyroid gland can lead to developmental delays and intellectual disability.
What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Problems?
Thyroid problems can manifest in a variety of ways, depending on whether the gland is overactive or underactive. Some common symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) include:
- Weight loss
- Inability to tolerate heat
- Increased heart rate
- Anxiety and irritability
- Tremors or shakiness
Conversely, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause symptoms such as:
- Weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Slowed heart rate
- Fatigue and weakness
- Depression
How Are Thyroid Problems Diagnosed and Treated?
If you are experiencing symptoms of a thyroid problem, your doctor may perform a blood test to check your levels of thyroid hormones. Depending on the results, they may recommend treatment with medication or refer you to an endocrinologist, a specialist in hormone-related disorders.
Common treatments for thyroid problems include medication to regulate hormone levels and surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. In some cases, radioactive iodine therapy may be recommended to destroy overactive thyroid cells.
The thyroid gland may be small, but it plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being. If you are experiencing symptoms of a thyroid problem, it is important to speak with your doctor and get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. With the right care, you can manage thyroid issues and maintain optimal health.
