By JACLYN FRANKS, MPH
Purdue Extension — Kosciusko County, HHS Extension Educator

Jackie Franks

WARSAW — January not only ushers in the New Year, but it is also observed as Thyroid Awareness Month.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly shaped gland located at the base of the neck below the Adam’s apple. Although it is small, it is also mighty. The thyroid influences many of the body’s organs such as the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and skin; and it controls virtually every cell, tissue, and organ in the body.

The proper functioning of the thyroid gland is essential to our overall health and wellness. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, thyroid disease is more common than diabetes or heart disease, affecting as many of 30 million Americans; half of which are undiagnosed.

A thyroid that is producing too much thyroid hormone causes the body systems to speed up and is called hyperthyroidism. A thyroid creating too little thyroid hormone causes the body systems to slow down and is called hypothyroidism. Women are five times more likely to suffer from hypothyroidism than men. In order to know if you have a thyroid problem, you should ask your doctor to run a simple TSH blood test. Family history also plays a large part in thyroid disease.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include: fatigue, drowsiness, forgetfulness, dry hair and nails, dry skin, constipation, and weight gain.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: fast heart rate, anxiety, trembling hands, weight loss, intolerance of warm temperatures, loss of scalp hair, muscle weakness, loose and frequent bowel movements, and irregular heart rhythm.

Finally, take a minute and perform a neck check, as instructed by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. To perform a thyroid neck-check you will need a handheld mirror and a glass of water.

1. Hold the mirror in your hand, focusing on the lower front area of your neck, above the collarbones, and below the voice box (larynx). Your thyroid gland is located in this area of your neck.
2. While focusing on this area in the mirror, tip your head back.
3. Take a drink of water and swallow.
4. As you swallow, look at your neck. Check for any bulges or protrusions in this area when you swallow. Reminder: Don’t confuse the Adam’s apple with the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located further down on your neck, closer to the collarbone. You may want to repeat this process several times.
5. If you do see any bulges or protrusions in this area, see your physician.

For more information on thyroid health, visit www.empoweryourhealth.org or contact Jackie Franks at [email protected] or (574) 372-2340.