What You Need to Know about Your Thyroid
Many people have heard of the thyroid, but most have no idea what is, where it is, or what it does. The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland located above the collar bone in the neck. The thyroid is important because it produces hormones that control many body functions, including how fast a person’s metabolism burns calories and the speed at which a person’s heart beats.
While the thyroid performs many important functions, it is also susceptible to problems. Two of the most common problems are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces more hormones than the body needs. This causes fatigue, heat intolerance, mood swings, sleeping problems, tremors, irregular heartbeats, constipation and diarrhea, and finally weight loss. Despite hyperthyroidism c