The thyroid is one of the most important organs in the human body, but it's also one of the least-understood and most frequently overlooked. Located in the neck, it produces hormones which regulate the metabolism and has an important role in circulatory health, mood, and body temperature. It can be a challenge to know when you need to consult a physician about thyroid health. Here are a few common indicators of thyroid problems.

When Should You Have Your Thyroid Checked?

1. Fatigue and Low Energy

Fatigue and low energy are symptoms associated with a wide array of problems, but they could be a sign of hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid doesn’t produce enough of the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Without these hormones, the metabolism would become less efficient, leading to lower energy levels.

Alternatively, the thyroid can become overactive, a condition known as hyperthyroidism, which can overtire the body. If you feel tired despite regularly getting a full night’s sleep, schedule a thyroid exam with your physician.

2. Temperature Intolerance

A common symptom of hypothyroidism is feeling constantly cold and unable to warm up, whereas hyperthyroidism can cause heat sensitivity and excessive sweating. This is due to insufficient or high levels of thyroxine, which can confuse the body into generating improperly balanced ratios of heat and energy.

3. Depression and Irritability

Thyroid problems are also often marked by changes in mood. A common symptom of hyperthyroidism, for example, is constantly feeling anxious, nervous, or irritable, while hypothyroidism is thought to be linked to higher rates of depression. If you’ve experienced sudden mood changes with no apparent explanation, it might be time to make an appointment with your doctor.

January is Thyroid Awareness Month, which makes it a great time to find out more about what this hard-working organ does and schedule a thyroid exam with a physician. The doctors at Arete Family Care LLC in Anchorage, AK, have extensive experience with thyroid conditions. They’ll make use of extensive training and resources to assess thyroid health and recommend beneficial treatments for hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and other related issues. Call (907) 777-1850 to make an appointment, and visit them online to learn more about their health services.