Your thyroid plays a very important role in producing specific hormones in your body and in keeping those hormones balanced so that you can stay healthy. But when your thyroid produces too much or too little of these hormones, it can lead to issues like thyroid diseases. Thyroid diseases include things like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, as well as Hashimoto’s and thyroiditis. Often, the symptoms of thyroid diseases can be subtle and hard to catch early on, but there are some signs you can look out for. To understand the signs of thyroid disease, it’s essential to know how your thyroid functions and what thyroid diseases can look like.
What Does Your Thyroid Do?
Your thyroid is located in your neck, wrapping around your windpipe or trachea. The thyroid is a gland, and like many glands throughout the body, it produces hormones that help you function in the best way possible. Your thyroid makes hormones that are vital to your body, and when it’s not making those hormones correctly or produces too much or too little of them, it can lead to serious health problems.
What Is Thyroid Disease?
Thyroid diseases are the result of a thyroid that is not producing hormones for your body correctly. It can be hard to tell if you have a thyroid problem early on, as the symptoms are subtle. Some of the symptoms include:
- Major weight changes
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety and depression
- Muscle weakness
- Sensitivity to cold
Because these symptoms are so common in other health problems as well, it can be hard to connect them to a thyroid disease like Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. So if you’ve been experiencing those symptoms, you must consider if you might be at risk of thyroid disease.
Who Is Affected by Thyroid Disease?
While thyroid disease can affect anyone, it is most common in women over the age of 60, and it may be the cause of significant hormonal changes. If you have a family history of thyroid problems or have a preexisting medical condition like anemia, diabetes, lupus, or primary adrenal insufficiency, that can also significantly increase your risk of thyroid disease.
For All Things Women’s Health, Come See The Trusted Doctors at Eagle’s Landing OB/GYN
If you have been experiencing symptoms of thyroid disease and want clear answers, come to Eagle’s Landing OB/GYN in Stockbridge, GA, and our dependable doctors will get you the care you need. Call or book your appointment online today!
