The thyroid is a gland situated just under the adams apple in the neck.  It wraps around the windpipe and produces the hormones thyroxine and triiodethyronine.  These hormones are primarily, responsible for the rate of metabolism and energy.

Thyroid disorders are caused by excessive production of these hormones which is called hyperthyroidism and deficiency of the thyroid hormone results in hypothyroidism. It is reported that as many as 59 million Americans suffer from thyroid disorders and many go undiagnosed and untreated.

Symptoms of both types of thyroid disorders are wide ranging and varied.

Some of the more common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

*  Feeling constantly tired and rundown.
*  Unexplained weight gain.
*  Cold extremities
*  Constipation
*  Muscle cramps
*  Depression
*  Dry, course or thinning hair.

Other symptoms in women include:

*  Heavy periods
*  More frequent periods
*  Infertility or miscarriage

Some of the more common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:

*  Panic attacks
*  Increased heart rate
*  Thinning hair
*  Inability to sleep
*  Unexplained weight loss
*  Feeling weak
*  Diarrhea or more frequent bowel movements
*  Fatigue

The above are only a few of the symptoms that are commonplace in thyroid disorders. There are many more so a visit to your doctor to accurately diagnose your problem is an absolute necessity. 

Once your thyroid disorder has been correctly diagnosed the treatment is relatively simple. You will, most likely, be prescribed a replacement thyroid hormone. There are no over the counter remedies for thyroid disorders even after you have had the blood tests and a confirmed diagnosis.

All medication has to be prescribed by your doctor. Just as a diabetic needs insulin from a doctor, a patient with thyroid disorders needs to have a doctor supply the appropriate thyroid replacement hormone. No alternative treatment can supply the necessary hormone.

If you experience any side effects from taking the prescribed medication, you should pay a visit to your doctor who will be able to either change the medication or simply change the dosage which should alleviate the problems of any side effects caused by your medication.

There is a certain demographic that are more likely to develop thyroid disorders. These include but are certainly not limited to:

*  People with a family history of thyroid disorders.
*  Smokers
*  Female
*  Menopausal women
*  Post pregnancy women
*  Over 60
*  Diagnosed with fibromyalgia
*  Exposed to radiation.

So if you think that you may have a thyroid disorder it would be wise to visit your doctor to arrange the necessary blood tests that will accurately diagnose any problem.

If you find that you do have a thyroid disorder, don’t worry; with regular medication you can regulate the hormone production and continue to live a full and productive life.