Thyroid Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Testing
Thyroid disease is a condition that affects the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of your neck. There are a number of causes for thyroid disease, including autoimmune diseases, radiation exposure, and iodine deficiency. Some risk factors include having a family history of thyroid disease, being female (thyroid disease is more common in women), and being over the age of 60. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of thyroid disease but may include weight gain or loss, fatigue, hair loss, constipation, and muscle weakness. Thyroid function can be tested through a blood test that measures levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). If TSH levels are high it suggests that the thyroid is not working properly and further testing may be necessary to diagnose the specific type of thyroid disease. Thyroid disease is a condition that affects the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of your neck. The thyroid gland produces hormones that help control you...