The thyroid gland, or simply the thyroid, plays a vital role in the metabolism, growth and maturation of the human body.
Located in the front part of the neck, this butterfly-shaped gland can have a dramatic impact on a huge variety of bodily functions.
And if you’re a woman over 35, then your chances of developing a thyroid disorder are high because women are two to three times more likely than men to get thyroid cancer.
While there are many types of thyroid disease, the main conditions present in most thyroid illnesses are – hypothyroidism (insufficient hormone production) and hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone).
Check out these common signs and symptoms that might tell your thyroid is out of whack:
Extreme weight gain or loss even when an indicidual follows a healthy and active lifestyle (weight gain may signal hypothyroidism, whereas weigh loss may result from hyperthyroidism)
Breathing difficulty
Problems with swallowing
Pain in the throat/neck
Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck
Fatigue
Depression
Changes in heart rate
Increased sesitivity to cold
Period problems
Hair loss
Digestion problems