The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck. It’s made up of two different sections connected by a thin piece of tissue. Although it’s only about two inches long, it has many responsibilities. The thyroid produces triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which control metabolism. Metabolism is a chemical process that controls how the body turns food into energy. When these processes are out of whack, problems can manifest in several different ways.
Thyroid problems tend to increase with age and are usually more common in women than in men. This is often because women are exposed to more risk factors; pregnancy and some ingredients in cosmetics can directly impact the endocrine system. Thyroid issues can also be hereditary, so if family members have thyroid problems, you may be at more of a risk. Receiving radiation near the neck or chest can also increase the likelihood of thyroid issues. Nearly 30 million Americans have thyroid disease; it is more common than heart disease or diabetes.
Unfortunately, almost half of the of the people with thyroid issues don’t even know that they have a problem. The American Thyroid Association recommends getting a thyroid check-up if you’re over the age of 35, as well as a follow-up test every five years afterward. Simple blood tests can reveal if T3 or T4 levels are incorrect, even if people don’t realize their physical symptoms are a result of these imbalances.
The symptoms of an improperly functioning thyroid can vary in severity. A few thyroid issues and their symptoms include:
Hyperthyroidism
This occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive. It affects about 1% of women and is less common in men. Symptoms include restlessness, nervousness, a racing heart, anxiety, trouble sleeping, thin skin, weight loss, muscle weakness, brittle hair, and increased sweating.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid is underactive. This affects a little under 5% of Americans over the age of 12. While most cases of hypothyroidism are minimal, they can still impact quality of life. Symptoms can include fatigue, dry skin, memory problems, depression, weight gain, and slow heart rate.
Hashimoto’s Disease
Also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s disease is most common in middle-aged women and affects nearly 14 million Americans. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland and inhibits its ability to produce enough hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, constipation, mild weight gain, dry skin, intolerance to cold, irregular menstruation, and thinning hair.
Grave’s Disease
Similar to Hashimoto’s disease, this disorder causes the body to attack the thyroid. However, instead of inhibiting hormone production, this causes the thyroid to be over productive. This hereditary disease is common in women ages 20-30. Symptoms include anxiety, fatigue, irritability, increased heartbeat, excessive sweating, difficulty sleeping, and hand tremors.
Goiter
Goiter is a symptom of hyperthyroidism and can affect anyone at any age, but is most common in women over the age of 40. It can be caused by a lack of iodine, genetics, pregnancy, radiation exposure, and medication usage. Symptoms often only appear in more serious causes but may include neck swelling, difficulty breathing, coughing, and a hoarse voice.
Thyroid issues are not to be taken lightly and can cause issues that may drastically decrease quality of life. It’s important not to just assume that symptoms are normal and a byproduct of aging; getting regular thyroid tests are vital to staying healthy. Most thyroid issues are not preventable, but they can be maintained with proper treatment. ProBLEN’s all-natural thyroid supplement helps the thyroid defend itself and maintain optimal hormone production. In turn, it helps with poor muscle/fat balance, dry skin, low energy, a weak immune system, and depression. With our natural supplement, the thyroid can stay strong and regulate both physical and mental functions. Don’t ignore the symptoms of thyroid issues! Contact us with any questions you might have about how you can get your thyroid up and running like it used to.
