Thyroid Awareness Month

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that plays a huge role in your body, influencing the function of many of the body’s organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and skin. Hyperthyroidism is when the body makes too much thyroid hormone, and symptoms may include nervousness, irritability, increased sweating, heart racing, hand tremors, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, thinning of your skin, fine brittle hair and weakness in your muscles.

Hypothyroidism is when the body doesn't make enough thyroid hormone, and symptoms may include fatigue, sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, puffy face, and muscle weakness. A blood test can determine if you have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Making sure that the thyroid gland is healthy and functioning properly is vitally important to the body's overall well-being.

Resource: American Thyroid Association