Thyroid problems are becoming more and more common in today’s society. Improper nutrition and lack of nutrients in the soil contribute to the widespread problem. It is important to understand exactly what the thyroid does in order to know when it is not working properly. Then proper medical attention can be sought and the condition can be diagnosed and taken care of quickly.
Small Butterfly Shaped Gland
Located directly below the Adam’s apple in the throat, the thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland. When the thyroid is not working properly it can become swollen and inflamed. When this happens you can see a small bulge in that area. Your doctor can feel the size of the gland by having you swallow while his or her hands are around your neck.
Hormone Factory
The thyroid gland is the manufacturer of several hormones the body needs to function properly, mainly T3 and T4. These hormones control the body’s metabolism and energy levels among other things.
When there is either not enough of these hormones being produced by the thyroid, or too much of them, the body does not function correctly. Not enough hormones and the body goes sluggish. Too much hormone being pumped out sends the body into overdrive.
Affects the Entire Body
Since these hormones affect the entire body it is very important to keep the thyroid working properly. There is not an area of your body that cannot be affected by a damaged thyroid gland over time.
The brain, through memory loss and moodiness, your energy levels, your ability to have children, joint pain, heart problems, weight gain or loss, irritability and intolerance to cold or heat are just a few of the problems that can occur with thyroid disorders.
Other Health Issues
An improperly working thyroid can lead to other health problems as well. Thyroid disorders are often part of autoimmune problems and can go hand in hand with diabetes, high cholesterol and other problems. Plus when the thyroid is out of whack for a long period it can lead to health problems. Many of these symptoms, such as arthritis type pain, will diminish once the hormone levels are back up to normal.
Small Butterfly Shaped Gland
Located directly below the Adam’s apple in the throat, the thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland. When the thyroid is not working properly it can become swollen and inflamed. When this happens you can see a small bulge in that area. Your doctor can feel the size of the gland by having you swallow while his or her hands are around your neck.
Hormone Factory
The thyroid gland is the manufacturer of several hormones the body needs to function properly, mainly T3 and T4. These hormones control the body’s metabolism and energy levels among other things.
When there is either not enough of these hormones being produced by the thyroid, or too much of them, the body does not function correctly. Not enough hormones and the body goes sluggish. Too much hormone being pumped out sends the body into overdrive.
Affects the Entire Body
Since these hormones affect the entire body it is very important to keep the thyroid working properly. There is not an area of your body that cannot be affected by a damaged thyroid gland over time.
The brain, through memory loss and moodiness, your energy levels, your ability to have children, joint pain, heart problems, weight gain or loss, irritability and intolerance to cold or heat are just a few of the problems that can occur with thyroid disorders.
Other Health Issues
An improperly working thyroid can lead to other health problems as well. Thyroid disorders are often part of autoimmune problems and can go hand in hand with diabetes, high cholesterol and other problems. Plus when the thyroid is out of whack for a long period it can lead to health problems. Many of these symptoms, such as arthritis type pain, will diminish once the hormone levels are back up to normal.
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