Feeling tired all the time? You could be having a thyroid problem!

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect the functions of the thyroid. The thyroid, which is a butterfly-shaped gland located in front of the neck, makes thyroid hormone that controls the body's metabolism in many ways, including how fast you burn calories and how fast your heart beats.

Any dysfunction of the thyroid gland can cause serious problems to your body. Most common types of thyroid disorders include:

• Hyperthyroidism - when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body requires.
• Hypothyroidism - when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones.
• Goiter - enlargement of the thyroid gland.
• Thyroid cancer – a cancer in the butterfly-shaped gland in the neck.
• Thyroid nodules - lumps in the thyroid gland
• Thyroiditis – swelling or inflammation of the thyroid.

Anyone can get a thyroid disease, but if you're a woman over 35 years your chances of getting a thyroid disorder are high. Also, women are more likely than men to have thyroid problems, especially right after pregnancy and after menopause.

Following are some common signs and symptoms that tell your thyroid has gone haywire:

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Fatigue or feeling exhausted
• Constipation
• Poor tolerance to cold temperatures
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Weight gain
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Low sex drive
• Eye problems

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Insomnia
• Nervousness
• Frequent bowel movements
• Rapid weight loss
• Excessive sweating
• Joint pains
• Feeling excessively hot in normal or cold temperatures
• Eye problems

If you have any of these symptoms, make sure that you consult a healthcare practitioner for a complete thyroid evaluation.