“My body was turning on me. First hyperthyroidism, which sped up my metabolism and left me unable to sleep for days. (Most people lose weight. I didn’t.) Then hypothyroidism, which slowed down my metabolism and made me want to sleep all the time. (Most people gain weight. I did! Twenty pounds!)”

Oprah discussing her recently diagnosed thyroid problems and it being misdiagnosed for so long – made me think…”Do we know the questions to ask to check if we have a thyroid problem?”

Here’s some information about that small master gland that controls our metabolism and hormones.

The Thyroid is a small gland located in the lower part of the neck and it is shaped like a butterfly. The function of this gland is to secrete hormones. The main problems coming from the thyroid gland are

Hypothyroidism – An underactive thyroid.

Hyperthyroidism – An overactive thyroid.

Goiter – An enlarged thyroid.

Thyroid Nodules – Lumps in the thyroid gland.

Thyroid Cancer – Malignant thyroid nodules or tissue.

Thyroiditis – Inflammation of the thyroid.

Hypothyroidism is underactivity of the thyroid gland. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormones, and/or there is a failure of the tissues to receive thyroid hormones.

Hyperthyroidism is the overactivity of the thyroid gland. This over functioning results in the production of too much thyroid hormone. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Test

The most common thyroid test is the blood test that measures the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in your bloodstream.

TSH that is elevated, or above normal, is considered indicative of hypothyroidism. TSH that is “suppressed” or below normal, is considered evidence of hyperthyroidism.

Here are some questions you may ask yourself to determine if your thyroid is “under” or over “acting”.

1) Have you been putting on weight the last few years?

2) Do you have a hard time getting pounds off and keeping them off?

3) Do you feel sad or depressed a few times a week?

4) Is your hair or skin dry?

5) Do you ever feel cold when others are comfortable?

6) Do you feel you tire more easily than a good friend of yours?

7) Has your throat ever felt tight when you swallow?

8 ) Are you being treated for low B12, low iron, celiac, digestive problems, depression, anxiety or aches & pains?

9) Do you have any family history of thyroid disease?

10) Do you have a hard time falling asleep at night?

11) Does it take you awhile in the morning to get going?

12) Are you more irritable than you used to be, or have mood swings?

For more information regarding the thyroid visit:

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/

This article is for informational purposes only, please consult a healthcare professional for health related advice.

FWO – ForWomenOnline.com