Thyroid: What is Its Purpose and How Can We Tell If Something is Wrong?

Thyroid: Under Active, Over Active What Does it All Mean?

We all have heard the talk about the thyroid and we know that if it is not functioning correctly we can feel pretty bad. But do you really know why we have a thyroid, what its function is and how to tell if something can be wrong with it? Most people don't.

The thyroid is actually a gland, a small butterfly shaped gland. It is located in the front of the neck below the voice box. It contains a gel-like substance and is surrounded by a single layer of cells. This gland produces a hormone. This hormone helps regulate growth, metabolism and energy levels.

Thyroid problems are common. But most of the time symptoms will appear gradually over time. This makes it easier for them to misdiagnosed. The three most common thyroid problems are: under-active thyroid, overactive thyroid and thyroid nodules.

The under-active thyroid is also called Hypothyroidism. In this condition, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Usually the levels of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is elevated. A rare patient with an under active thyroid may have normal or low TSH due to a pituitary condition.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism can be any of the following or the combination of the following:

Fatigue or lack of energy
Weight gain
Feeling cold
Dry skin and hair
Heavy menstrual periods
Constipation
Slowed thinking

Treatment is simple. Thyroid hormones are given daily in pill form. The symptoms usually clear up in a few months. But the patient will routinely have to have blood tests to check their TSH levels and usually have to stay on medication for life.

Over-active thyroid is also called hyperthyroidism. The most common cause of this is Grave's disease. When Grave's disease occurs the body's immune systems over stimulates the thyroid. When you have hyperthyroidism the level of your free T4 hormone is elevated and your TSH level is low.

Symptoms of an over-active thyroid can be any of the following or the combination of the following:


Jitteriness, shaking and nervousness
Rapid heart beat or palpitations
Feeling hot
Weight loss
Fatigue, feeling tired
More frequent bowel movements
Shorter, lighter menstrual periods