Thyroid Problems?

Axel_Kock / Shutterstock.com

Your thyroid is a small gland in the front of your neck. It releases hormones that control how your body uses energy. These keep your organs running properly. But some people’s thyroids can be underactive or overactive and cause health problems.

When your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones to meet your body’s needs, it’s called hypothyroidism. This condition affects about 5 in 100 people age 12 and older. Most cases are mild or have few obvious symptoms. But hypothyroidism can cause you to feel tired and gain weight. You may also feel cold and have a slowed heart rate.

An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, is less common. It affects about 1 in 100 people age 12 and older. This condition can cause weight loss despite an increased appetite and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Hyperthyroidism can cause you to be nervous or irritable. You may have trouble sleeping. Left untreated, it can lead to heart problems. 

Your doctor can diagnose a thyroid problem based on your symptoms and on blood tests. These tests measure levels of thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH, and may include thyroid antibody tests. Antibody tests can reveal whether your thyroid problem is caused by an autoimmune condition, in which your immune system attacks the thyroid.

Thyroid problems are more common in women and people older than 60. Talk with your doctor if you think you may have thyroid problems. Learn more.