Thyroid Archives | MedicAlert Foundation The Real Medical ID, MedicAlert medical IDs provide protection in an emergency. Backed by our 24/7 emergency services, genuine MedicAlert IDs are globally recognized by first responders and medical professionals. Mon, 19 May 2025 21:07:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://blog.medicalert.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cropped-favicon-32x32-1-32x32.png Thyroid Archives | MedicAlert Foundation 32 32 192520198 5 Simple Steps for Performing Regular Thyroid Check Self-Exams /5-simple-steps-for-performing-regular-thyroid-check-self-exams/ Fri, 08 Jan 2021 20:57:00 +0000 http://localhost:8888/MedicalertWP/?p=253 What does your thyroid do? This member of our endocrine systems plays a vital role in many of our body's systems, and disorders and diseases are common. Learn how to self-check your thyroid, and how MedicAlert can support you.

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A woman performing a thyroid self-check exam

5 Simple Steps for Performing Regular Thyroid Check Self-Exams

What does your thyroid do? This member of our endocrine systems plays a vital role in many of our body’s systems, and disorders and diseases are common. Learn how to self-check your thyroid, and how MedicAlert can support you.

According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), more than 30 million people will develop some form of thyroid disorder in their lifetime. And up to 60% of those folks are unaware they even have a thyroid condition.

But ensuring your thyroid gland is healthy and functioning properly is vital to your overall well-being. Your thyroid makes hormones that help control many vital functions of your body.

A lot of people mistake thyroid disease for other problems because the symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions. Some of the most common signs are fatigue or trouble sleeping, fast or irregular heartbeat, unexplained weight changes, and joint or muscle pain or weakness. Although women are 5 times more likely to be diagnosed than men, thyroid disease can affect anyone, at any age.

Why is the thyroid gland important?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the base of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. Despite its small size, it plays a huge role influencing the function of many of your most important organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. It aids in regulating fundamental body functions such as:

Heart Rate

Muscle Strength

Breathing

Metabolism & Weight

Nervous System

Cholesterol

Body Temp

Menstrual Cycle

Common Thyroid Problems

Hypothyroidism is the most common type of thyroid disorder. With hypothyroidism your thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This slows down your metabolism and causes other systemic problems. In the U.S., hypothyroidism affects about 4.5% of people over 12 years old. While it’s usually mild, if left untreated it can lead to heart disease, impaired kidney function, nervous system complications, or infertility.

Hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid is overactive, producing too much hormone. It affects about 1% of women, and is often caused by Graves’ disease. If left untreated, it can lead to eye problems, pregnancy complications, osteoporosis, atrial fibrillation, or heart failure.

Thyroid Disease Risk Factors

You may be at a higher risk of developing thyroid disease if you:

  • Have a family history of thyroid disease
  • Are over 60 and/or female
  • Have a pre-existing autoimmune disease such as Type 1 diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or primary adrenal insufficiency
  • Had a recent pregnancy
  • Have had radiation treatment to your head or neck
  • Are a smoker

Performing a 5-step Thyroid Self Exam

The good news is that it’s easy to check for thyroid problems. Your doctor can perform a simple blood test to look for irregularities. And if you suspect thyroid problems, it’s pretty simple to perform your own thyroid neck check at home. AACE Thyroid Awareness provides an online step-by-step guide.

All you need is a mirror and a glass of water!

All thyroid disorders are treatable. If you have any concerns about your thyroid, perform the self-check and talk to your doctor.

1. With your face close to the mirror, focus on the lower front area of your neck, above the collarbones and below the voice box (larynx). Your thyroid gland is located in this area of your neck.

2. While focusing on this area in the mirror, tip your head back.

3. Take a drink of water and swallow.

4. As you swallow, look at your neck. Check for any bulges or protrusions in this area when you swallow.* You may want to repeat this process several times.

*Reminder: don’t confuse the Adam’s apple with the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located further down on your neck, closer to the collarbone.

5. If you see any bulges or protrusions in this area, consult your physician. You may have an enlarged thyroid gland or a thyroid nodule that should be checked to determine whether further evaluation is needed.

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The post 5 Simple Steps for Performing Regular Thyroid Check Self-Exams appeared first on MedicAlert Foundation.

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