Thyroid Health Basics - A shift in weight may be a sign of thyroid disease

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Thyroid Health Thyroid Health Basics

A shift in weight may be a sign of thyroid disease

The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone, a substance that affects the function of almost every organ in the body. The hormone also regulates metabolism, which explains why people with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidisn) gain weight. Signs and symptoms of too little thyroid hormone may be subtle. Symptoms include cold intolerance, fatigue, constipation, dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss, sleep disturbances and decreased mental acuity. A blood test can be used to diagnose thyroid disease by measuring the amount of thyroid hormones circulating in the blood. Hormone replacement therapy can be given to normalize the balance of thyroid hormones.

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