The thyroid gland, lying just under the skin at the front of the neck and below the larynx, is part of the body's endocrine system. A healthy thyroid gland is about 2 inches across and consists of two halves, called lobes, which rest on either side of the windpipe. The lobes are connected in the middle by tissue called the isthmus, giving the gland a butterfly shape. The thyroid helps regulate metabolism and calcium balance. The hormones it produces affect critical body functions, such as heart and respiratory rate, growth, digestion and fertility.
Step 1
Monitor your body for any changes that may indicate a thyroid imbalance or problem. If your thyroid is underactive, you may feel cold all the time and suffer from dry skin, fatigue, forgetfulness and constipation. If your thyroid is overactive, you may notice symptoms such as weight loss, nervousness, muscle weakness, increased heart rate and increased perspiration. Grave's disease, the most common form of hyperthyroidism, can also cause the eyes to appear enlarged. An enlarged thyroid gland or thyroid cancer may cause swelling on the front of the neck.
Step 2
Talk to your doctor about any symptoms. He can assess your thyroid levels through blood tests, and prescribe medication or order treatment if needed. If your thyroid is enlarged, the doctor may send you for an ultrasound scan or a biopsy.
Step 3
Tell your doctor about any risk factors you may have. Risk factors for hypothyroidism include age, since it is more common in those over the age of 50, particularly women. Having a close family member with an autoimmune disease, having been treated with anti-thyroid medications or having received radiation to the neck or upper chest can also predispose you to hypothyroidism. A family history of goiter, or enlarged thyroid, and exposure to high levels of radiation are both risk factors for thyroid cancer.
Step 4
Educate yourself by seeking out authoritative medical sources. Unfortunately, misinformation abounds when it comes to the thyroid, so stick to authoritative medical books such as the Merck Manual of Medical Information and the American Medical Association Family Medical Guide. You can also find helpful information on the websites of the Mayo Clinic and the American Thyroid Association.
Step 5
Follow your doctor's recommendations for medication and treatment. Take thyroid medication exactly as prescribed, since even small changes in dosage or time of ingestion can make a noticeable difference. Levothyroxine, the most commonly prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone, has a half-life--the amount of time required for half of the chemical to be eliminated from the body--of over five days, meaning that its full therapeutic effect may take several weeks.
Step 6
Schedule regular thyroid checks and blood tests. Thyroid disease can go undetected, or may resurface after many years. Age, weight, other medications and pregnancy all influence thyroid levels, so it is essential to schedule regular blood work to monitor changes.
