Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the bottom of your neck and is responsible for numerous functions including the following:

• Metabolism
• Body weight
• Breathing
• Body temperature
• Cholesterol levels
• Heart rate
• Muscle strength
• Central and peripheral nervous systems
• Menstrual cycles

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive meaning that it does not produce a sufficient amount of thyroid hormones. A common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease where the body produces antibodies which attack the thyroid.

The disease tends to affect older women and people with a close relative who with autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis more.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

• Depression
• Constant fatigue
• Sensitivity to cold
• Slow heartbeat
• Weight gain
• Menstrual cycle changes
• Constipation
• Enlarged thyroid

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism means that the thyroid gland is overactive, producing an excessive amount of thyroxine, resulting in a metabolism that is too fast with various symptoms. An autoimmune disorder named Graves disease is often the cause of hyperthyroidism.

Some symptoms of an overactive thyroid are:

• Mood swings as well as anxiety and irritability
• Constantly fatigue
• Problems sleeping
• Heat sensitivity
• Heart palpitations
• Weight loss
• Menstrual cycle changes
• Enlarged thyroid