The thyroid gland is situated at the base of the throat and plays a major role in the regulation of the body's energetic metabolism. In normal conditions the thyroid gland produces and releases two important hormones with role in the cell metabolism; they induce the transformation of oxygen and calories from food in energy needed by the organism.

The major abnormalities in the function of the gland are hypo- and hyperthyroidism; they occur when the hormone secretion is disturbed. The both condition affect about 15 million Americans per year, but the most common disease is still hypothyroidism and appears with prevalence in women(about 9 million) and with lower incidence in men(only 2 million cases per year). Hypothyroidism is caused by the attack of antibodies that slow down the function of the gland reducing the hormone secretion process. Usually a certain diagnose of hypothyroidism is only established when the condition is in an acute stage, as the primer symptoms are easy to ignore.

Hyperthyroidism is the exact opposite of the below mentioned condition. The thyroidal antibodies stimulate the gland to secrete and release higher amounts of hormones than in normal conditions. The thyroid gland is stimulated to grow in excess as well as to produce excessive quantities of the hormones T3 and T4.

According to the latest studies, a major cause of the abnormalities in the thyroid function is the genetic, inherited implication.

In the diagnosing process, the specialist physician called endocrinologist must firstly measure the level of hormones in the blood. If any signs of gland malfunction appear in the blood testing, the physician can proceed with thyroid profile radiography to observe the changes in the gland's anatomy. The usual treatment in case of thyroidal abnormalities are whether oral medication or surgery.

There are however ways to prevent both conditions from occurring. Firstly you should stop smoking, do not use fluoridated toothpaste or oral hygiene water, reduce the stress in your life, and avoid consuming large amounts of iodine contained in fish and kelp. If after you have followed these advices you still show signs assembling to thyroid malfunction, try to contact a physician as soon as possible for a quicker and proper treatment.

The major symptoms of the hyperthyroidism condition are: weight loss combined with an increased appetite, insomnia, muscular weakness, increased heart rate, shaky hands, brittle hair, quicker bowel movements, lighter menstrual flow, and high irritability.

Hypothyroidism has the following symptoms: dry hair and skin, muscular cramps, fatigue, constipation, weight gain, depression and increased menstrual flow.