The thyroid is a gland in the lower part of the neck that regulates vital functions. When its function fails and it isn't treated in time, thyroid diseases can affect all the organs. When faced with thyroid ailments, patients often complain of weakness, fever, heart rhythm disorders, hair loss and pain in the neck area. Why does the thyroid malfunction? Thyroid disorders present as a weakened or overactive function. These dangerous disorders can affect people of any age, both men and women. The causes vary: heredity, poor nutrition, iodine deficiency, stress and others. Thyroid disorders are a serious problem, because if no action is taken, the blood cholesterol level rises and there's a risk of heart disease. To avoid thyroid ailments, you should try to avoid stressful situations and eat a full diet. Moreover, it's very important to have regular preventive health examinations, since thyroid diseases develop slowly and no obvious changes are noticed at first.

Ways to solve the problem. Doctors point out that a healthy thyroid is neither noticeable nor easily felt. If you notice an enlargement of the thyroid, you must see a doctor, who will carry out the necessary examinations and determine whether the thyroid tumour is benign or malignant: the thyroid is examined by ultrasound and by thyroid hormone tests. Then, if needed, effective treatment is prescribed. There are several ways to treat thyroid disorders, depending on the individual situation: treatment with radioactive iodine, medication or surgery. In many cases, solving the problem simply requires including more foods such as fresh vegetables and fruit, salmon or tuna, seafood, natural yoghurt, lean pork, nuts and others in the diet. Surgical treatment is needed only in exceptional, complicated cases. Taking care of thyroid function is very important, because our wellbeing, appearance, body mass and fertility depend on its work. A neglected condition can cause complications and make treatment harder. When faced with thyroid disorders, it's important to visit an endocrinologist regularly and have follow-up thyroid hormone tests.