Feeling depressed? Noticing a change in appetite? Having trouble swallowing? Often blamed on stress, these symptoms may signal a problem with your thyroid gland.

Just below your Adam’s apple is the butterfly-shaped gland. “The thyroid manufactures two key hormones that help keep the heart and other organs functioning properly,” said David Saxon, M.D., at Prime Care. “The gland also regulates metabolism.”

Hypothyroidism—an underactive thyroid—is the most common thyroid disorder. Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue.

  Prime Care physician David Saxon, M.D., evaluates a patient’s ability to swallow. Trouble swallowing due to swelling of the neck may be a symptom of hypothyroidism.

• Forgetfulness.
• Mood swings.
• Weight gain.
• A hoarse voice.
• Trouble swallowing due to swelling of the neck.
• Loss of appetite.

Your thyroid can become overactive. A person with hyperthyroidism might notice:

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• Muscle weakness.
• Increased appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Goiter—an enlarged thyroid gland.

“All the symptoms of these conditions do not occur in each person,” Saxon said. “In fact, if you have a thyroid problem, you might not even be aware of it.”

If left untreated, thyroid disease can increase cholesterol levels, lead to osteoporosis and even contribute to death from circulatory and cardiovascular disease.

“Fortunately, detecting thyroid disorders is much easier today,” Saxon said, “thanks to a simple blood test, which is offered at Baptist Prime Care.”

Once diagnosed, many thyroid problems can be successfully managed with medication or surgery.