People often discover that they have a thyroid disorder after they begin experiencing a variety of symptoms. You may notice symptoms such difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sudden weight loss, or feelings of anxiety. A common symptom of thyroid dysfunction is fatigue. If you experience a few of these signs, it is worth your health to schedule an appointment with a throat specialist who can perform a thorough exam.

The thyroid gland is small gland that weighs less than 50 grams in most adults. It is located towards the front of the neck. The thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands. Found in the neck, below the thyroid cartilage (which forms the laryngeal prominence, or Adam’s apple).

Although small, it plays a large role in producing hormones that every cell in your body relies on for the proper conversion of calories and oxygen to energy. The balanced production of hormones ensures proper regulation of your body’s metabolic processes.

When the gland is either overactive or underactive, a number of health issues can arise. People with thyroid problems experience symptoms related to improper hormone production. It is important to be aware of these symptoms so that you can begin a suitable treatment plan if your gland is not functioning properly.

Individuals with parathyroid gland disorders may not exhibit any symptoms at all or symptoms will be subtle enough that the problem will go undetected. Fatigue is a common symptom of hyperparathyroidism, especially when accompanied with other symptoms associated with the disorder. For instance, if you have also developed kidney stones in addition to experiencing fatigue, it is a good idea to talk with a doctor about your symptoms.

Our surgeon Dr Michael Barakate has an ongoing commitment to patient care, research and teaching in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. He has lectured and published medical literature widely in the field of thyroid and parathyroid surgery.