The thyroid gland is one of the organs that are responsible of the proper functioning of the metabolism. Its malfunction may affect nearly every organ and might lead to severe health problems. It is a health problem that occurs more often in women than in men. For some women the period of thyroid problems occurrence is during or after pregnancy but in most of the cases these problems as easily treatable.

The thyroid gland that may cause many problems in the time it malfunctions is located at the base of the neck in front of the trachea or windpipe. It is shaped like a butterfly and its main function is to produce, store and release two types of hormones: T4 ? thyroxine and T3 ? triiodothyronine. These hormones control the body metabolism.

This gland depends on the pituitary gland which is located in the head. This gland inside tour brain makes the hormone called TSH ? thyroid stimulating hormone.

There are two possible situations of malfunction of the thyroid gland. If there is not enough thyroid hormone in the bloodstream the metabolism slows down. This condition is called hypothyroidism and it is also known as underactive thyroid. The second possibility consists of too much thyroid hormone in the bloodstream and the metabolism speeds up. This situation is known as hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid.

There is no single way to diagnose thyroid problems. This disease can only be diagnosed after exam s and tests and after close watch of the symptoms. The test consists of a blood test, an ultrasound exam and a thyroid scan.

As we said before hypothyroidism is a condition that results from the underactive thyroid. The most common cause for this condition is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. This inflammation it is also called Hashimoto's disease. Another cause for hypothyroidism might be a diet poor in iodine.

The symptoms that are common for persons with hypothyroidism are weakness, weight gain even if appetite is decreasing, change in menstrual periods, loss of sex drive, problems with cold temperatures, constipation, aches, puffiness and even hair loss.

The most used treatment in these cases is medication based on thyroid hormone.

The second most common condition of thyroid problems is hyperthyroidism. This condition is the result of overactive thyroid. This is the cause that makes the metabolism to speed up.

The main registered symptoms are fatigue, weight loss, nervousness, accelerated heart beat, increased sweating, changes in menstrual period and tremors.

Treatment for hyperthyroidism is able to lower the amount of thyroid hormone level in the organism and will relieve the symptoms.