early 30 Million People With An Undiagnosed Thyroid Condition

At least 27 million Americans have a thyroid problem, but don't know it yet. The thyroid - a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck - is the master gland of metabolism. When your thyroid doesn't function, it can affect every aspect of your health - and in particular, weight, depression and energy levels. Hypothyroidism - an underactive thyroid - is by far the most common thyroid condition, and is more common in women, affecting as many as one in five women at some point in their lives.

Undiagnosed hypothyroidism can dramatically increase your risk of obesity, heart disease, and depression - so an important part of starting the year right should be to make sure that you are not one of the millions of people with this common but frequently undiagnosed and overlooked condition.

You don't need to have all of these symptoms in order to have a thyroid problem, but here are some of the most common signs that you might have a thyroid condition.

10. Muscle and Joint Pains, Carpal/Tendonitis Problems.

Aches and pains in muscles and joints, and a tendency to develop carpal tunnel in the arms/hands, and tarsal tunnel in the legs, can all be symptoms of undiagnosed thyroid problems, most typically hypothyroidism. (For more information)

9. Neck Discomfort/Enlargement.

A feeling of swelling in the neck, discomfort with turtlenecks or neckties, a hoarse voice, or a visibly enlarged thyroid can all be symptoms of thyroid disease. To find out if the thyroid is enlarged, you take a simple test at home. Hold a mirror so that you can see the area of your neck just below the Adam's apple and right above the collarbone. Tip your head back, while keeping this view of your neck and thyroid area in your mirror. Take a drink of water and swallow. As you swallow, look at your neck. Watch carefully for any bulges, enlargement, protrusions, or unusual appearances in this area when you swallow, and if you see anything unusual, see your doctor right away.

8. Hair / Skin Changes.

Hair and skin are particularly vulnerable to thyroid conditions. With hypothyroidism, hair frequently becomes coarse and dry, breaking, brittle, and falls out easily. Skin can become coarse, thick, dry, scaly. In hypothyroidism, there is often an unusual loss of hair in the outer edge of the eyebrow. With hyperthyroidism, severe hair loss can also occur, and skin can become fragile and think.

7. Bowel Problems.

Severe or long-term constipation is frequently associated with hypothyroidism, while diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome is associated with hyperthyroidism.

6. Menstrual Irregularities and Fertility Problems.

Heavier, more frequent, more painful periods are frequently associated with hypothyroidism, and shorter, lighter, or infrequent menstruation can be associated with hyperthyroidism. Infertility can also be associated with undiagnosed thyroid conditions.

From Mary Shomon

Your Guide to Thyroid Disease.