Many people can have issues with their thyroid gland and not even know it. When tissue in the thyroid gland becomes overactive, it causes a surplus of hormones which in turn affects every part of the body. Thyroid hormone is what acts as a stimulus to metabolism. When the thyroid tissue produces too many hormones, it speeds the body up. This is known as hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid tissue that does not produce enough hormones causes a condition called hypothyroidism. Either one can be very serious for the simple fact that they do affect so many parts of the body.

What is the thyroid exactly? It is a gland in the lower part of your neck that is somewhat shaped like a butterfly. It’s main function is to emit hormones. The hormones are easier remembered as T3 and T4. This is what sends energy to the cells.

In a healthy person the thyroid functions normally and all the cells get the right amount of energy sent to them. There are certain symptoms of thyroid disease that are pretty good indicators of whether you are at risk or not. One of the main ones is if a close relative, such as parents, siblings, or other close relatives have had thyroid disease.

Many times when the thyroid does not function properly it is caused by autoimmune thyroid disease. This is a problem that occurs when the body loses it’s natural ability to know the difference between it’s organs and outside viruses or bacteria. When this happens the immune system to produce antibodies that fight the thyroid by mistake. This is what causes the thyroid to either become overactive or the antibodies kill the thyroid.

Many people used to have an enlarged thyroid called a goiter. This was more common many years ago before a lot was known about thyroid disease. Today it is a more understood problem, however most people just do not realize that is what the problem is. Almost 27 million Americans have this problem and half do not even know it.

This is one disease that is often misdiagnosed. At a rate of seven times more often than men to develop this problem, one in five women will develop thyroid problems. The older she gets the higher the risk and it is even higher if there is a family history of problems with the thyroid.

If you notice symptoms of fatigue, weight loss or gain for no reason, losing your hair, heart palpitations or many other warning signals that can be the result of a thyroid problem, you should immediately inform your doctor. He can perform tests to see if that may be your problem. With proper diagnosis and treatment this can be kept under control.

The thyroid cells provide a service that no other part of the body can do. They take iodine which you get from food or salt and change it into the aforementioned T3 and T4. In a normal situation the iodine that body gets is either T3 or T4. The normal for a healthy thyroid is 80 % T4 and 20% T3.

So if you experience any of the mentioned symptoms or have a history in your family, it is best to go have it checked out. And even if medical tests are not positive for either low or high producing thyroid activity you may wish to go with the way you’re feeling and seek help from a naturopathic doctor or experiment with thyroid herbal treatments under a doctor’s care.