I get a lump in my throat . . .

The latest health article in Newsweek points out a sorely underestimated yet easily treatable disorder known as thyroid disease. Your thyroid gland is located at the base of your throat that among its functions includes regulating your metabolic rate. Signs of an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) includes a fast and irregular heart rate, nervousness, anxiety, and a fine tremor. President George and Barbara Bush (and even their dog!) were diagnosed with this condition, the common cause of this is known as Graves' disease.

Hypothyroidism (or underproducing thyroid gland) is also quite common, especially in middle-aged women. Hashimoto's disease is the most common form of primary hypothyroidism symptoms including lethargy, cold intolerance, fatigue, and hair loss. People can also get nodules in their thyroid, which are mostly benign, although a physician will need to make sure that it is not cancer, usually by a thyroid scan or biopsy. Family history of thyroid cancer or previous neck irradiation will also increase your risk.

Now, not every person who comes in my door will have the above symptoms, but your family doctor is doing you a disservice if he is not "checking your neck" doing general medical exams. Below are some links to help inform you about this common but often easily treatable disease.

Thyroid Disease Information Source would be my first Internet stop for thyroid info. Useful for both patients and docs alike.

My Personal War with Graves' Disease is an up close and personal look of a woman afflicted with the disease that had gone undiagnosed for many years. Highly recommmended reading.

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