For anyone who doesn't have a thyroid condition, it might be easy to forget about the gland in the front of their neck that controls hormone production. But behind the scenes, the thyroid does a lot of work to help metabolize and maintain blood pressure, body temperature and heart rate.

Thyroid disease affects approximately 20 million people in the US and about one in eight women. The two most common types of thyroid disorders are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism produces too much thyroxine hormone an overactive thyroid and hypothyroidism does not produce enough an underactive thyroid.

Although the two conditions have different signs and symptoms, there can be some overlap. Zohrabian recommends you do to upkeep a healthy thyroid: Stick to a diet that is low in sugar and processed foods. Excessive sugar can lead to inflammation, which can worsen the symptoms of an underactive thyroid.

Limit your intake of cruciferous vegetables. Vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli can interfere with thyroid hormone production. Find ways to reduce your stress. Exercise three to five times a week. Increasing your muscle mass can boost your metabolism and help to avoid weight gain or lethargy.

Maintain a healthy body weight. The higher your body weight, the more thyroid hormone your body will require. When to get your thyroid checked Dr. Zohrabian encourages anyone who experiences the following symptoms to have their thyroid function checked by their primary care provider: You notice a lump in your thyroid gland or have a swollen neck.

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Most health care providers recommend taking the medicine levothyroxine to treat hypothyroidism. But an extract containing thyroid hormone derived from the thyroid glands of pigs is available.

It is sometimes called desiccated thyroid extract. However, this treatment is not recommended because the amount of T-4 and T-3 in it may not be consistent from batch to batch. It is not safe for pregnant people to take desiccated thyroid extract because it can harm a fetus's development.

You'll likely start by seeing your primary health care provider. Or you may be referred to a specialist in hormone disorders, called an endocrinologist. Infants with hypothyroidism need to see a pediatric endocrinologist right away. Children or teens can start with their primary health care provider.

But they need to see a pediatric endocrinologist if there are any questions about levothyroxine or about the correct dosage of the medicine. Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your health care provider.

Having a list of questions helps you make the most of your time with your health care provider. For hypothyroidism, some basic questions to ask include:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

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This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis The symptoms of hypothyroidism can be different from person to person. More Information Hypothyroidism diet Hypothyroidism: Can calcium supplements interfere with treatment?

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By Mayo Clinic Staff. Show references AskMayoExpert. Mayo Clinic; American Thyroid Association. Accessed Nov. Loscalzo J, et al. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. McGraw Hill; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Ross DS. Diagnosis of and screening for hypothyroidism in nonpregnant adults.

Surks MI. Clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism. Congenital hypothyroidism child. Hyperthyroidism in infants and children. Merck Manual Professional Version. Hypothyroidism during pregnancy: Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment.

Brito Campana JP. expert opinion. Mayo Clinic. Related Coconut oil: Can it cure hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism and joint pain?

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