FAQ created by Prof. Dr. Iyad Hassan (M.D, FACS, FRCS) General and Endocrine Surgeon/ Head of General, Endocrine and Cancer Surgery Burjeel Hospital
What is Thyroid Gland?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits in your neck, draped across the windpipe and just under the larynx (voice box, adam’s apple.) It makes thyroid hormone, which controls your body’s metabolism, including weight, heart rate, temperature, and mental alertness. An enlarged thyroid is called a “goiter.” Most thyroids with a goiter or a lump still work properly, but some may be overactive.
What are the symptoms of thyroid problems?
Each thyroid problem has its own symptoms. Here are common symptoms to look for with each condition: Hyperthyroidism: Weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, fatigue, trouble sleeping, tremors and sweating. Hypothyroidism: Thinning hair, weight gain, fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain, depression and impaired memory. Thyroid cancer: A lump on your neck, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes and changes in your voice. Thyroid nodules:
