About 30 million people suffer from thyroid disorders, and more than half don't know they're affected.
Many people go undiagnosed and untreated because signs of thyroid disorders:
- can be subtle
- come on slowly
- can seem like other health issues
What Does the Thyroid Do?
The thyroid is a gland in the front of your neck that makes hormones. Despite its small size, it plays a huge role in your overall health. The thyroid affects how your body's most vital organs work, including:
- heart
- brain
- liver
- kidneys
- skin
Keeping your thyroid gland healthy and working the right way is vital to your overall health and wellness. However, many factors can make thyroid disorders more common and affect how serious they are:
- family history
- female gender
- radiation exposure to the neck
- iodine deficiency or excess
- certain medications
Common Signs of a Thyroid Disorder
These symptoms may point to a thyroid disorder:
- unexplained weight changes
- depression, anxiety or irritability
- fatigue or trouble sleeping
- shaking and nervousness
- muscle aches and joint pain
- puffy face
- dry skin
- hoarse voice
- trouble swallowing or breathing
Thyroid Tests
Many thyroid-related symptoms mimic other conditions, so you may need a thyroid test.
You can treat most thyroid problems with medication. Finding the medication in the right amount to keep levels stable can take time. In some cases, you may need surgery.
Left untreated, thyroid disease can raise the risk for serious health problems including:
- heart problems
- nerve damage
- infertility
- cognitive issues
Getting care for thyroid disorders prevents long-term harm. If you think you may have a thyroid problem, talk to your doctor.
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Finding a doctor is the first step to diagnosing and treating thyroid disorders.