Do you know where your thyroid gland is? How about what it does? Your thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland in your neck, which produces a variety of hormones needed by your body.
When working right, your thyroid keeps your metabolism in check, and controls your body's circulating calcium levels.
Like most things, you don't even notice your thyroid when it's working right.
But if your thyroid isn't working right, you'll know that something is wrong, even if you aren't sure what it is.
For example, hormone imbalances can happen when your thyroid isn't working right.
These imbalances can lead to diseases such as hypothyroidism, which occurs when your thyroid isn't making enough thyroid hormone.
This can make you feel tired, weak, and depressed.
It can also cause brittle fingernails, dry skin, constipation, heavy periods in women, and trouble thinking clearly.
And of course, hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, because when there isn't enough thyroid hormone, your metabolism slows.
Your thyroid can also produce too much thyroid hormone, which is known as hyperthyroidism.
The symptoms for this disease are opposite those of hypothyroidism, and can include: increased heart rate, nervousness, muscle weakness, trembling hands, diarrhea, lighter periods in women, and weight loss.
Both of these diseases are caused by a thyroid dysfunction, and can be treated.
In the case of hyperthyroidism, treatment can range from radioactive iodine treatment, to anti-thyroid medication, to surgery.
Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, is treated with thyroid hormone replacement.
These replacements are generally made either from synthetic sources or animal extracts.
Unfortunately, once the thyroid slows down, there is no surgery or drug that can speed it up again.
Alternative treatments for both types of thyroid diseases are also an option, and range from acupuncture, to traditional Chinese medication.
If you have a thyroid disease, any alternative treatments should be discussed with your doctor before you start.
Those with thyroid dysfunctions are generally able to live normal, healthy lives, provided that they receive the correct treatment, and continue to follow the treatments suggested by their doctors.
If you, or someone you know are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned here, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor to have your thyroid checked.
It is possible that you may not be aware of your thyroid dysfunction yet.
Once you start to treat your dysfunction, and not just the symptoms, you will start to feel better and gain your life back.