Let's Talk About the Thyroid
January is known as Thyroid Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the importance of thyroid health and educate people about thyroid-related disorders. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and producing hormones that affect almost every cell in the body. Thyroid disorders occur when the thyroid gland is either overactive or underactive, causing a range of symptoms that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Common thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, is a condition where the thyroid gland produces an excess of hormones, resulting in symptoms like weight loss, rapid heart rate, and anxiety. Thyroid nodules are lumps or growths on the thyroid gland, which can be either benign or cancerous. These...