The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located in front of the windpipe in the neck. This gland makes hormones that help control the many parts of your metabolism. According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), “an estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease” and about “60 percent of those who have thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.” In addition, ATA also states that women are more likely to have thyroid problems than men.

Iodine deficiency, inflammation of the thyroid, and cancerous tumors of the thyroid gland are only to mention a few of the possible causes of thyroid disease. Today, we will discuss a few types of thyroid disease and their symptoms:

1. Underactive thyroid gland

One of two common problems associated with the thyroid is an underactive thyroid gland. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not make enough of the crucial hormones that are necessary for the body to run normally. In addition to the causes previously mentioned, hypothyroidism can also be caused by an autoimmune disease, congenital, and damage to the pituitary gland. Signs or symptoms can vary from person to person and may go unnoticed during its early onset. Low levels of hormones produced by the thyroid can affect the body’s systems in many ways. Symptoms include feeling tired or fatigue (more than usual), forgetfulness, depression, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, thinning hair, and muscle weakness are to just mention some of the major and distinct symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland.

2. Overactive thyroid gland

Another common problem associated with thyroid disease is hyperthyroidism. Unlike its counterpart, hyperthyroidism causes the production of too many hormones. Specifically, the thyroid produces an excess of the hormone called thyroxine. Thyroxine is a vital component in brain development, bone health, muscle control, heart function, digestive function, and metabolism. Causes of an overactive thyroid gland include Grave’s disease, Plummer’s disease, and thyroiditis. An overactive thyroid gland can produce symptoms that are similar to other conditions, so it may be hard to detect. Symptoms include an increase in appetite, anxiety, nervousness, tremors (trembling of the hands and fingers), increased sensitivity to heat, trouble sleeping, sudden weight loss, sweating, palpitations, and brittle hair to just mention a few.

3. Goiter

Goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. An enlargement of the thyroid gland does not necessarily mean that your thyroid is malfunctioning, although this may be an indication that there is something contributing to its abnormal growth. Goiter can occur when the thyroid is either producing too much, too little, or not the right amount of hormones. Commonly, an enlarged thyroid gland is caused by iodine deficiency. When the pituitary gland senses there is something off in the levels of hormones produced by the thyroid, it sends a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to the thyroid to stimulate the growth of the thyroid gland. Thus, enlarging the size of the thyroid. Symptoms of an enlarged thyroid gland include swelling (at the base of the neck), hoarseness, tight feeling in the throat, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, and neck vein swelling to just name a few.

If you exhibit any of these symptoms and have not gone for your annual physical exam, please contact your health professional as soon as possible. The early detection of thyroid disease can prevent fatal consequences to your health.