The thyroid –– a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that helps keep the body in balance –– is an important part of the body that produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels.
When the thyroid is not functioning correctly, it can lead to various symptoms, including fatigue, weight changes, anxiety, heart palpitations, and temperature sensitivity. If a thyroid disorder is left untreated, it can lead to significant issues, including bone density loss, heart arrhythmias, and even heart failure.
According to the American Thyroid Association, an estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. Up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition, and women are five to eight times more likely than men to have…