SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Did you know that thyroid disease is more common than diabetes or heart disease? January is Thyroid Awareness Month. It’s a reminder to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors of thyroid disease, especially if you have a family history of thyroid disorders.

The thyroid is a small hormone producing, butterfly shaped gland located in the middle of the lower neck. Although it is small it is plays a very important role in how virtually every cell, tissue, and organ in the body functions.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive, producing too much thyroid. It causes your body processes to speed up, resulting in nervousness, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and more.

Hypothyroidism is a form of thyroid disease that causes the gland to produce too little thyroid hormone. It is the most common form of thyroid malfunctions, affecting up to 15 percent of Americans; however, many people do not know they have it. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, weight gain, hair loss, constipation, depression, and more. .

“The thyroid produces hormones that work with virtually every tissue in the body, primarily in regulating metabolism, says internal medicine physician Brittany Folks, MD, of Regional West Physicians Clinic-Internal Medicine. “Therefore, signs and symptoms of an under functioning or over functioning thyroid can often be nonspecific but may include changes in weight, skin and hair, bowels, and mood, among many others.”

Dr. Folks advises those who may be concerned about their thyroid function to see their health care provider. 

For more information about thyroid health, visit thyroid.org.  To schedule an appointment your primary care provider at with Regional West Physicians Clinic, call 308.630.2100.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center and one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 providers, and over 2,000 employees, Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.