THYROID DISEASE: The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the back of the neck below the Adam’s apple and wraps around the windpipe. It produces thyroid hormones that control the metabolism, or the rate at which the body’s cells go about their business. The thyroid gland affects the functioning rate of every cell in the body. Thyroid hormones influence every organ, tissue and cell in the body. They also control heart rate, body weight, body temperature, energy level, muscle strength and menstrual regularity.

When the thyroid malfunctions, it can do so in one of two ways. It can produce too little thyroid hormone, a condition known as hypothyroidism, which causes the body to function at a lower rate. Or, it can produce too much hormone, known as hyperthyroidism, which speeds up the rate at which each cell functions. Both conditions can result in troublesome symptoms.

Hypothyroidism that may be masked by symptoms of depression include fatigue, memory loss and difficulty concentration. But the distinguishing symptoms are: coarse, dry skin and hair, intolerance to cold and constipation. A blood test can determine if it is Hypothyroidism. It can also contribute to heart disease by affecting the low density cholesterol in the blood. This can causes the “bad” cholesterol to build up inside blood vessels. Treatment is usually hormone replacement medication taken by mouth.

Hyperthyroidism might exhibit itself any or all of the following symptoms: nervousness, decreased menstrual flow, weight loss, and irregular heartbeat. An excess of thyroid hormone results in an increased metabolism, or a speeding up of all reactions that occur in the body. Many of the people who think they have a case of nerves may actually suffer from hyperthyroidism. Many of the symptoms may the same as someone suffering from a panic attack, including nervousness, increased perspiration and an irregular heartbeat. Treatment for hyperthyroidism is usually radioactive iodine ablation. (Removal of tissue)