One in ten Americans, more than twenty million people, have a thyroid disorder. However, it is estimated that eight million more people remain undiagnosed. The reason for this is that thyroid disease is often mistaken for stress, anxiety, or depression. Doctors sometimes dismiss the symptoms of thyroid disorder simply due to the interplay between the disorder and premenstrual hormonal changes, menopause, the postpartum period and reproduction. Also, many doctors often ignore the thyroid gland during routine examinations. The gland is not examined by touch, because the doctor either has not been taught the art of palpating the thyroid, or are focusing on the patient's other complaints.
Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, is a form of thyroid disease. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include cardiovascular effects, such as a rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure. Weight loss, increased appetite, sweating, hair loss and heat intolerance are other common symptoms of thyroid hormone excess and are related to its effects on metabolism. In women, menstrual periods may become lighter, lasting only one or two days, or even disappear. This disorder has negative physical effects on many organs of the body. The following are the