To mark World Thyroid Day, an expert has encouraged people to look out for the common signs they themselves could have the disease and has warned them not to ignore these tell-tale symptoms.
Your thyroid gland is an endocrine gland found in your neck that creates thyroxine and triiodothyronine, two hormones responsible for controlling vital bodily functions, including energy levels, weight regulation, internal temperature, and metabolism.
Low or high levels of these all-important hormones may result in thyroid disease, which can be characterised by an underactive or overactive thyroid.
If your thyroid isn't secreting enough hormones, then this is known as hypothyroidism, while hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid.
As per figures published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), a reported 2% of the UK population are living with thyroid disease, with women being five to 10 times more likely to have it than men.
Medical negligence experts from Patient Claim Line have now shared their advice when it comes to the red flag symptoms to watch out for.
The experts warned: "We've seen that the symptoms of thyroid disease can affect the functioning of your everyday life. Tiredness and muscle aches are common signs that you may have thyroid disease as well as feeling sensitive when in cold and hot temperatures. An underactive thyroid is also known to cause depression in many sufferers.
"According to the NHS, elderly people suffering from an underactive thyroid may have an increased risk of memory loss whilst children may experience slower development leading up to puberty.
"An overactive thyroid can also manifest itself in swelling in the neck from an enlarged thyroid gland, as experienced by our clients. This swelling is usually painless but it can create a cough, difficulty speaking, and a wheezing noise when breathing."
Those who suspect they may have thyroid disease are advised to contact their GP, who will likely carry out a thyroid function test where a sample of blood is used to measure your hormone levels.
They added: "If it is determined that you have a lack of hormones, not being produced properly by your thyroid, your doctor could recommend hormone replacement therapy."
Genetics plays a huge factor when it comes to thyroid disease, and you are more at risk of developing the disorder if a close family member has it. You can better protect yourself however by quitting smoking, with cigarette smoke said to contain toxins that alter your thyroid functioning.
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