January is Thyroid Awareness Month
January is Thyroid Awareness Month, the time dedicated to spreading awareness about thyroid disease. According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, conditions related to imbalanced hormone production. SEE ALSO: Top 6 natural remedies for hypothyroidism The thyroid is is a small gland, shaped like a butterfly, in the middle of the lower neck. The gland’s primary function is to control the body’s metabolism by producing hormones–T4 and T3–which tell the body’s cells how much energy to use. A number of conditions can cause the thyroid gland to malfunction; issues like inflammation, iodine deficiencies and immune system diseases can cause thyroid disease. “The thyroid is responsible for producing hormones that help the body regulate its metabolism. When not working properly it can cause the bodys system to speed up (hyperthyroidism) or slow down (hypothyroidism), Marita Teng, MD, Associate Professor, Head and Neck Institute at Mount Sinai, said in a press release. Furthermore, although the vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign, some can be cancerous and require examination and workup. Women are more likely than men to develop thyroid disease, though the condition can affect anyone of any age. Approximately 1 in every 4,000 infants is born without a working thyroid glad, and if the issues is not resolved, the child will have physical and mental handicaps. Symptoms of thyroid disease include: Weight loss, despite amount of food eaten. Eating more than usual. Rapid or irregular heartbeat. Anxiety. Irritability. Trouble sleeping. Trembling in your hands and fingers. Increased sweating. Increased sensitivity to heat. Muscle weakness. More frequent bowel movements. Less frequent menstrual periods with lighter than normal menstrual flow. Thankfully it is possible to monitor your own thyroid at home. Dr. Teng recommends the following at-home self-exam steps: SEE ALSO: Hispanic paradox evident in new thyroid cancer study “Use a mirror and focus on the lower middle area of your neck, above the collarbones, and below the Adams apple (larynx). Your thyroid gland is located in this area of your neck. While focusing on this area in the mirror, tip your head back. Take a drink of water and swallow. As you swallow, look at your neck. Check for any bulges or protrusions in this area when you swallow. Reminder: Dont confuse the Adams 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 and should be checked to determine whether cancer is present or if treatment for thyroid disease is needed.”The post January is Thyroid Awareness Month appeared first on Voxxi.
January is Thyroid Awareness Month, the time dedicated to spreading awareness about thyroid disease. According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, conditions related to imbalanced hormone production.
SEE ALSO: Top 6 natural remedies for hypothyroidism
The thyroid is is a small gland, shaped like a butterfly, in the middle of the lower neck. The gland’s primary function is to control the body’s metabolism by producing hormones–T4 and T3–which tell the body’s cells how much energy to use. A number of conditions can cause the thyroid gland to malfunction; issues like inflammation, iodine deficiencies and immune system diseases can cause thyroid disease.
“The thyroid is responsible for producing hormones that help the body regulate its metabolism. When not working properly it can cause the bodys system to speed up (hyperthyroidism) or slow down (hypothyroidism), Marita Teng, MD, Associate Professor, Head and Neck Institute at Mount Sinai, said in a press release. Furthermore, although the vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign, some can be cancerous and require examination and workup.
Women are more likely than men to develop thyroid disease, though the condition can affect anyone of any age. Approximately 1 in every 4,000 infants is born without a working thyroid glad, and if the issues is not resolved, the child will have physical and mental handicaps.
Symptoms of thyroid disease include:
- Weight loss, despite amount of food eaten.
- Eating more than usual.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Anxiety.
- Irritability.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Trembling in your hands and fingers.
- Increased sweating.
- Increased sensitivity to heat.
- Muscle weakness.
- More frequent bowel movements.
- Less frequent menstrual periods with lighter than normal menstrual flow.
Thankfully it is possible to monitor your own thyroid at home. Dr. Teng recommends the following at-home self-exam steps:
SEE ALSO: Hispanic paradox evident in new thyroid cancer study
“Use a mirror and focus on the lower middle area of your neck, above the collarbones, and below the Adams apple (larynx). Your thyroid gland is located in this area of your neck.
While focusing on this area in the mirror, tip your head back.
Take a drink of water and swallow.
As you swallow, look at your neck. Check for any bulges or protrusions in this area when you swallow. Reminder: Dont confuse the Adams 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 and should be checked to determine whether cancer is present or if treatment for thyroid disease is needed.”
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The post January is Thyroid Awareness Month appeared first on Voxxi.
