Thyroid Conditions Can Go Undiagnosed—Know the Symptoms and Risk Factors
It’s estimated that nearly 60 million Americans suffer from some type of thyroid condition with ten percent of the population unaware they have an undiagnosed thyroid problem. Knowing the common symptoms associated with an under or over active thyroid is important. Women, in particular, should become more familiar with the signs and risk factors of thyroid dysfunction because they are six to eight times more likely to have thyroid problems than men.
The thyroid secretes hormones that help control the basic metabolism of the body as well as influence body temperature, calcium levels and weight loss. It’s a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck below the “adam’s apple” and above the collarbones. When damaged or surgically reduced, the thyroid slows its production of hormones leading to a condition known as hypothyroidism.
Individuals with an under active thyroid have an increased risk for depression, trouble losing weight and may develop dry, brittle hair or hair loss, general muscle or joint aches, pains and stiffness and prolonged constipation.
