First off, what and where is the thyroid gland. The Thyroid Gland is a butterfly shaped gland located in the neck. It crosses over your trachea and is about an inch below where your jaw meets your neck. It is known as the master gland of your metabolism. When it doesn’t work it can affect almost every aspect of your health.
As many as 59 million Americans have a thyroid problem and the majority don’t even know it.
A bad thyroid gland can cause….
- Hair and skin changes – Hair frequently becomes brittle, coarse and dry, while breaking off and falling out easily. Skin can become coarse, thick, dry and scaly.
2. Muscle and Joint Pain – Weakness in the arms and a tendency to develop carpal tunnel in the arms/hands.
3. Cholesterol Issues- High cholesterol that is not responsive to diet, exercise or cholesterol medication.
4. Menstrual Irregularities & Fertility Problems – Heavier, more frequent and more painful periods or shorter, lighter and infrequent infertility can also be associated with a bad thyroid.
5. Weight Changes – Unexplained weight changes and issues can be signs of both hyperthyroidism (over active Thyroid) and hypothyroidism (under active Thyroid).
6. Neck Discomfort or Enlargement – A feeling of swelling in the next, discomfort with turtlenecks or neckties.
7. Family History – If you have a family with history of thyroid problems, you are at a higher risk of having a thyroid condition yourself.
8. Your mood is all over the place – Imbalances in thyroid hormones can cause your mood to change drastically. With hypothyroidism, some people feel a little depressed
9. You have Chills or are Extra Sweaty – Feeling cold all the time can be a sign of hypothyroidism. What you’re experiencing is an effect of slowed metabolism. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism can make you feel hot or frequently sweaty, as your cells are working in overdrive.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, please consult with your doctor. The more symptoms you have the more urgent it is to consult with your doctor.