Thyroid Awareness Month

January is Thyroid Awareness Month, a time to learn about the thyroid and how it affects our health. The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that helps control important things like energy levels, metabolism, and heart rate. Many people have thyroid problems without knowing it, so this month is about helping everyone understand more about the thyroid and how to keep it healthy.

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is part of the body's hormone system. It makes hormones that control how your body uses energy, keeps you warm, and keeps your heart beating normally. The main hormones it makes are:

T4 (Thyroxine)

T3 (Triiodothyronine)

These hormones help turn food and oxygen into energy. The pituitary gland in your brain tells the thyroid how much hormone to make by sending out TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).

Common Thyroid Problems

Here are the four most common thyroid issues:

1. Hypothyroidism: This is when the thyroid doesn’t make enough hormones. Symptoms include feeling very tired, gaining weight, dry skin, losing hair, and feeling cold.

2. Hyperthyroidism: This is when the thyroid makes too many hormones. Symptoms include losing weight, a fast heartbeat, feeling anxious, and being irritable.

3. Thyroid Nodules: These are lumps that can form in the thyroid. Most are harmless, but some can be cancerous, so it’s important to get them checked.

4. Thyroid Cancer: This is a rare cancer that starts in the thyroid. It’s important to catch it early and get treatment.

How to Keep Your Thyroid Healthy

-Eat a Balanced Diet: Eat foods rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc to help your thyroid work well.

-Exercise Regularly: Exercise helps keep your energy and metabolism up.

-Avoid Smoking and Heavy Drinking: These can harm your thyroid.

-Manage Stress: Stress can affect your thyroid, so try yoga, meditation, and getting enough sleep to help manage it.

When to See a Doctor

Regular health check-ups can help catch thyroid problems early. These should include blood tests to check your hormone levels and maybe an ultrasound to look for lumps. If you have symptoms or are at risk, see a healthcare professional, like an endocrinologist, who can check your thyroid and provide treatment if needed.