January 2022 is National Thyroid Awareness Month!

What is your Thyroid gland?

‍Your thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland found in the lower front of your neck. The role of the thyroid is to make thyroid hormones. These hormones are secreted into your blood stream and then carried throughout your body. The thyroid gland controls your body’s metabolism, increases heart rate and affects how quickly you absorb food. It is so important it is known as a ‘master gland’! 

Overactive or Underactive Thyroid?

What tests are done to diagnose thyroid disease?
‍The doctor will often start by doing blood tests to measure the amount of thyroid hormones that are in your blood. However sometimes a doctor will order imaging scans to give the doctor information about the appearance of your thyroid gland.

‍How is thyroid disease treated?

PCHC has more information at the links below: 

PCHC Hyperthyroidism Resources

PCHC Hypothyroidism Resources

• Overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism symptoms may include; racing heart rate, palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, weight loss despite increased appetite, excessive sweating/heat intolerance, and muscle weakness.
• Underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism symptoms may include: fatigue or sluggishness (mental and physical), cold intolerance, constipation, hair loss, weight gain, and depression.

• Get a referral and make an appointment with an endocrinologist. An endocrinologist is a doctor that specializes in treating diseases caused by different glands in your body.
• Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can both be treated by taking a medication every day.
• It is very important to take your medications at the correct time of day and in the correct dose prescribed for you.
• Sometimes an endocrinologist will recommend that you have surgery on part of your thyroid gland.