Sitting at the base of your neck is a small gland that can cause big trouble if it's not working right.

The thyroid makes hormones that control how fast your body burns calories and how fast your heart beats. If the gland produces too much—or too little—of these hormones, it can set off a long list of health problems.

When the thyroid is overactive—makes too many hormones—it's called hyperthyroidism.

Someone with an overactive thyroid may have signs or symptoms such as:

• Weight loss.

• Diarrhea.

• Intolerance to heat.

• Increased sweating.

• Anxiety.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid is underactive—makes too few hormones. It may trigger, among other things:

• Weight gain.

• Depression.

• Dry skin and hair.

• Constipation.

• Intolerance to cold.

Tell your doctor if you think your thyroid is out of whack. He or she may order tests to check your thyroid hormone level.

Your doctor will likely also feel your neck for nodules (lumps in the gland). Most thyroid nodules are harmless, but some can be cancerous.

Depending on the results of your tests, your doctor may want you to:

• Take medicine to balance the amount of thyroid hormones in your body.

• Be treated with radioactive iodine, which will damage or destroy the cells that make thyroid hormones.

Watson Clinic's endrocrinologists specialize the treatment of the thyroid and other disorders of the endocrine system. Call 863-680-7190 for more information and to schedule an appointment.

Sources: Hormone Health Network; Office on Women's Health