How to tell signs and treat thyroid problem

The thyroid is located in the lower part of your neck and is a small gland that secretes hormones. The hormones give your body the energy it needs to function properly; however, there are a few problems that can occur with the thyroid.

The most common problems found with the thyroid and the symptoms of each include:

Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid. Symptoms include:

•  fatigue

•  weight gain

•  depression

Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid. Symptoms include:

•  feeling of heart palpitations

•  fast pulse even when resting

•  hand tremors

•  increased perspiration

•  weight loss

•  increased appetite

•  nervous energy

•  diarrhea

•  irritability

•  nervousness

•  weak muscles

•  sleep disorders

•  hoarse voice

•  joint pains

Goiter is an enlarged thyroid. Symptoms include:

•  lumps in the thyroid

Thyroid Cancer

•  lump in the front of the neck

•  enlargement of the neck

•  enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

•  hoarseness

•  trouble swallowing

•  feeling of choking

•  difficulty breathing

•  pain in the neck from the neck to the ears

•  persistent cough

Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid

Treatment of any thyroid problems begins with your physician. In many cases, the problem will be monitored for any changes. Each thyroid problem is dealt with in a different manner but can include anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine treatment, surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid, and thyroid arterial embolization. In cases of goiters, the most common treatment is thyroid hormone replacement medication.

Just because you find a lump in your thyroid does not necessarily mean you have thyroid cancer. In some cases, a lump in the thyroid becomes enlarged due to Hashimoto's disease, nutritional deficiencies, Graves' disease, and thyroid imbalances. When this does occur, it is known as a goiter, which is not cancer.

Not all lumps in the thyroid are cancerous. You will need tests to learn if the lump is benign, if so then other treatments are available and in many cases, the lump will only be monitored for any changes.

The best way in which to check for thyroid problems is to learn to examine your neck. You can talk with your physician about the process and what to look for during your self-examination. In addition, you should visit your doctor once a year for a checkup when he or she will give you a thorough examination.