Mood swings? Do you suffer from anxiety or depression? You may notice unusual swelling in your neck. Well! all of these could be an indication of thyroid-related health problems. 

What is a thyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in front of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple (or just above your collarbone). It is the endocrine gland that produces thyroid hormones, which control the rate of many activities in your body. It includes regulating metabolic activities like how fast you burn your calories or how fast your heart beats. 

When the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone, your body consumes energy too quickly. You become tired too easily when the energy gets used up too quickly. Your heart starts to beat faster, leading to weight loss and nervousness.   

If the gland produces too little thyroid hormone in your body, you may feel tired. You may start to gain weight, and you will find it even unable to tolerate cold temperatures.

Thyroid problems

• Goiter 
• Hyperthyroidism  
• Hypothyroidism  
• Thyroid cancer 
• Thyroid nodules  
• Thyroiditis

Causes and Reasons  

Thyroid diseases affect every organ in your body. Anyone can be affected — men, women, infants, teenagers, and the elderly. It can be present at birth, or it can develop as you age, or it can be genetic. 

Certain medical conditions like pernicious anemia, type 1 diabetes, primary adrenal insufficiency, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and Turner syndrome can cause thyroid disorders. You may be at higher risk of developing the condition if you are a woman older than 60. Those who have had treatment for a past thyroid condition or cancer are also vulnerable to thyroid-related disorders.

The symptoms of thyroid problems resemble other medical conditions and life stages. Hence, it is difficult to determine whether they are related to thyroid or not.  

Symptoms 

• Mood changes 
• Anxiety, irritability, and nervousness 
• Hair loss 
• Tiredness 
• Depression 
• Weight gain/weight loss 
• Weak muscles and tremors 
• Trouble sleeping 
• Enlarged thyroid gland 
• Irregular menstrual cycles, disrupted menstrual cycle 
• Blurred vision / irritated eyes 
• Forgetfulness 
• Dry and coarse hair 
• Hoarse voice 
• Intolerance to cold temperatures 

Treatment 

The primary step is the detection and diagnosis of thyroid disease. A clinical evaluation, blood tests, and interpretation of the results should be made by a physician. You need to ascertain the exact thyroid problem before starting treatments. It is a serious and life-threatening medical condition if you do not get treatment. 

Consult your doctor for a detailed medical examination and treatment.