Thyroid Problems

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located just in front of the windpipe (trachea) in your throat. Its normal function is to produce hormones that influence thousands of metabolic processes in the body.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone.

Signs and symptoms:

• tremors
• mood swings
• weakness
• diarrhea
• heart palpitations
• heat intolerance
• shortened menstrual periods
• unexplained weight loss
• fine hair (or hair loss)
• rapid pulse
• nervousness
• enlarged thyroid gland

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone to meet the body's requirements.

Signs and symptoms:

• fatigue and excessive sleeping
• dry, pale skin
• deepening of the voice
• weight gain
• dry hair that tends to fall out
• decrease in appetite
• frequently feeling cold
• puffy face (especially around the eyes)
• heavy menstrual periods
• poor memory

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com