The human body is comprised of several complex organ systems that each have their own role in our health. The endocrine system, for example, consists of a group of specialized organs and body tissues that produce, store and secrete chemical substances known as hormones. These hormones are the body's messengers and act to transfer information and instructions from one set of cells to another. It is an incredibly balanced and delicate system.

The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system. In a way, it is like a thermostat as it regulates how your body metabolizes its fuel. Sometimes this gland gets out of whack and secretes too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little hormone (hypothyroidism.) These conditions can cause mild or severe health problems.

It is not uncommon for people to have health problems related to the thyroid. Severe symptoms will cause a person to seek health care. However, the quieter symptoms of thyroid diseases may go unnoticed for a long time, causing health problems that could be prevented with early intervention.

The most common thyroid problem is “hypothyroidism,” also known as an under-active thyroid gland. This means that there is too little of the hormone secreted into the body. Usually, people with this condition will need to take medication for the remainder of their life.

There are many symptoms of hypothyroidism, which include fatigue, mood swings, forgetfulness, weight gain, dry coarse skin or hair, difficulty swallowing, hoarse voice, intolerance to cold, constipation, muscle soreness, cramps, or irregular or heavy periods. (Remember — many of these symptoms can also occur from other conditions.) Medications used to treat hypothyroidism work to replace the hormone. Most often, persons with hypothyroidism will have to take medication for the rest of their lives.

The opposite of hypothyroidism is hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid gland) in which the gland secretes too much hormone. Symptoms of this condition include irritability or nervousness, muscle weakness or tremors, fatigue, heart palpitations, irregular menstrual periods, weight loss, sleep disturbances, enlarged thyroid, vision problems or eye irritation, or heat intolerance. The most common hyperthyroid disease is Grave's Disease.

Medications may be used for treatment of hyperthyroid disease. Other treatment options for this condition may include radioactive iodine treatment to inactivate thyroid tissue or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. Following treatment, synthetic thyroid replacement hormones are given to restore normal functioning.

Because conditions of the thyroid can go undetected until overt disease occurs, it is recommended that people be tested for thyroid functioning via a very simple blood test. This is another reason why it is important to get periodic physicals, even if you feel fine. There are many diseases and conditions, which if detected early, can be treated, lessening the long-term harm to you health. Don't try to self-diagnose. As always, be wary of sites that offer “miracle” products or cures.

For a free packet of information on the thyroid gland and associated conditions, residents can call the Quinnipiac Valley Health Department at (203) 248-4528 or request info online at qvhd.org

An Ounce of Prevention is a weekly publication of the Quinnipiac Valley Health District, which is located at 1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven. An Ounce of Prevention is written by QVHD Deputy Director V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH.