The thyroid is a gland located in the neck, just underneath Adam’s apple. This gland controls your metabolism and the hormones related to metabolism, protein synthesis, bone growth, and adrenaline. Obviously, the thyroid is an important part of your system. Discover the different types of thyroid issues and how to detect them.
The thyroid is connected to several other networks in the body. This is why it can affect other areas — as well as cause adverse symptoms in the heart, lungs, sweat glands, and more. Some of the most common types of thyroid issues include:
Not all thyroid problems are serious, but you should always contact your doctor if you think you may have a thyroid issue. Some thyroid problems (such as goiters) should go away on their own, but others need antibiotics, hormone treatments, or even radiation to cure.
Thyroid issues can be caused by a long list of factors. Many thyroid problems are genetic while others can be avoided altogether. The most common causes of thyroid issues include:
The most common symptoms of thyroid problems include:
You can check your own thyroid for non-serious conditions and to do a preliminary check for more serious issues. A self-thyroid check is kind of like a self-breast exam; you can perform the initial check yourself, but you should always contact an online doctor for the most accurate information.
To check your own thyroid, simply tilt your head back and take a sip of water while looking at your throat in a mirror (handheld mirrors are best as you can see yourself while tilting your head). If you see any protrusions, you should contact a doctor.
Even if you don’t see protrusions and suspect something is off, we still recommend contacting a doctor to rule out any possible health concerns.
To diagnose a thyroid issue, your doctor may first need to do a preliminary check to rule out any other possible conditions. Some of the most common diagnostic tests may include:
Luckily, thyroid issues are mostly preventable. Simple lifestyle changes can prevent issues down the line. To prevent thyroid issues, we recommend:
Thyroid treatments vary, depending on the type of issue. Some doctors will recommend lifestyle changes while others will recommend antibiotics or hormone treatments. Some of the most common thyroid treatments include:
If you’re concerned that you might have hypo or hyperthyroidism, a goiter, or other thyroid-related problems, contact an online doctor or schedule an appointment for an at-home blood test.