Many people suffer from various thyroid diseases, and they are more common in women than in men and may run in families. But not everyone is aware of the fact that in general they have problems with the thyroid gland.
Thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland in the front of your neck. It makes thyroid hormone, which plays an important role in keeping you healthy. Thyroid hormone helps your body to use energy and also helps to your brain, heart, nerves and muscles to do their job.
The thyroid may become over active (hyperthyroidism), or it can become underactive (hypothyroidism), You may need a blood test to see if the thyroid is making the right amount of hormone.
Some symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include:
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Hand tremors
- Anxiety
- Feeling hotter than others
- Changes in menstrual cycle
Some symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Hair changes
- Decreased mood
- Feeling colder than others
- Changes in menstrual cycle
Also, the thyroid gland is exposed to the risk of various diseases, and can be increased.
The goiter involves an enlarged thyroid gland no matter what the cause was. “Triggers” of the stifle can be different – from a lack of iodine in the diet (usually occurs in continental areas), to disorders in the metabolism of iodine, puberty, pregnancy or drugs that block the deposition of iodine. The goiter is more common in women, mainly due to the effects of the female sex hormone. An enlarged thyroid gland after puberty and pregnancy usually decreases itself, if it is not a goiter.
Symptoms of an enlarged thyroid are:
- problems with swallowing,
- coughing or feeling pressure,
- “dumplings” in the throat, especially in severe cases.
The nodes can be softer or harder, while very hard nodes can be a symptom of a malignant disease.
Thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer, but the first as far as the rising prevalence. After the operation, there is a high percentage of recovery and survival in the next five years and it is therefore considered treatable in cases of early detection. After palpation examination, due to “suspicious” lumps, patients must be sent to ultrasound, scintigraphy, puncture and finally, surgical removal of the affected part before it spreads to other organs.
How to Test Your Thyroid At Home
1.All you will need is a handheld mirror and a glass of water. An enlarged thyroid (a goiter) is common, and can cause problems with swallowing, talking or even breathing.
2.Hold the mirror in your hand, focusing on the lower front area of your neck, above the collar bones and below the voice box (larynx). Your thyroid gland is located in this area of your neck.
3.While focusing on this area in the mirror, tilt your head back.
4.Take a drink of water and swallow.
4.As you swallow, look at your neck. Check for any bulges or protrusions in this area when you swallow. Reminder: Don’t confuse the Adam’s apple with the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located further down on your neck, closer to the collarbone. You may want to repeat this process several times.
If you do see any bulges or protrusions in this area, see your physician. You may have an enlarged thyroid gland or a thyroid nodule that should be checked to determine whether further evaluation is needed.
This video will show you how to do the thyroid self test: