January is Thyroid Awareness Month

What is a thyroid?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the lower front of the neck. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolism. This makes the thyroid important because all your body's cells need energy to function.

How do I take care of my thyroid?

Keeping your thyroid as healthy as possible is very important.You can do very simple things in your daily life to keep your thyroid as healthy as possible. Some of these things include sticking to a diet that is low in sugar and processed foods, limiting your intake of cruciferous vegetables,, reducing stress, exercising three to five times a week, and maintaining a healthy body weight. 

Who is more likely to have thyroid issues?

There are certain factors that can increase your risk of developing thyroid problems. These include:

Gender: Women are more likely to experience thyroid problems than men.

Age: Thyroid problems are more common in people over the age of 60.

It is also important to note that thyroid cancer is more common in women than men. In the United States, the incidence of thyroid cancer is approximately three times higher in women than in men. It is not clear why this is the case, but it may be related to hormonal or genetic factors. If you are concerned about your risk of thyroid cancer, it's important to discuss this with your doctor. They can assess your individual risk factors and help you understand your risk of developing the disease. 

What are symptoms of thyroid cancer?

There are many symptoms of thyroid cancer but some of them include a lump that can be felt through the skin on your neck, changes to your voice (increasing hoarseness), difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes in your neck and pain in your neck and throat. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and are concerned it is best to consult your doctor.