Diagnosing Thyroid Disease Know the Symptoms
Thyroid disease is one of the most common endocrineThyroid Rescue 911 Review disorders in the United States, striking mostly females. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), 27 million Americans have some type of thyroid disorder, although it's estimated that half of those cases are undiagnosed.
Located near the front of the neck, the thyroid is a small gland that produces a hormone that helps control blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and weight. The thyroid is regulated by the pituitary gland and influences several of the body's most important organs including the heart, brain, liver and kidneys. When a person suffers from thyroid disease, their body uses energy more slowly or quickly than it should.
Hypothyroidism is the most frequently diagnosed thyroid condition and affects women more than men. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Treatment involves taking a daily dose of synthetic thyroxine, which is identical to the hormone produced by the thyroid. Dosage is dependent on the patient's age, weight and severity of the disease and is monitored carefully so that only the exact amount needed is given.
In the early stages, symptoms of thyroid disease can develop slowly, and many people are not diagnosed until the disease has progressed. Thyroid disease can be diagnosed through a physical exam and a series of blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels. When thyroid hormone levels are too high or too low, multiple body functions can be negatively affected and in some cases cause coma or death. Ensuring that the thyroid gland is healthy and functioning properly is crucial to the body's overall health.
