Nowadays, the changing lifestyle is affecting health. It is affecting the health of women more than men. There is a disease which affects 95 out of 100 women and the name of that disease is 'Thyroid'. Millions of people in India are suffering from thyroid related problems. Hormonal changes in the body cause not only physical but also mental problems. Therefore, it is very important to recognize the symptoms and get timely treatment. When there is any problem in the thyroid gland located in the front of the neck, many changes can occur in the body. You can check for swelling or changes in the thyroid gland yourself with a simple 'neck test' at home.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, just below the chin. The hormones it produces control the body's energy, temperature, heart rate, and weight. Fluctuations in this gland's function can often lead to serious health problems. Therefore, if detected early with a simple home test, treatment can begin immediately.

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology recommends performing a neck exam at home. To do this, stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit area. Make sure you can clearly see the lower part of your neck. After finding the thyroid gland under your chin and above your collarbone, gently tilt your neck back slightly. Then take a sip of water.

While urinating, carefully examine the thyroid area with a mirror to check for any lumps, bumps, or unusual swellings. If you notice any lumps or swellings in the thyroid area, this could be a sign of thyroid disease. You should also check for other symptoms in your body.

Weight gain, extreme fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, and feeling extremely cold can be symptoms of hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by a deficiency of thyroid hormone. However, sudden weight loss, a rapid heartbeat, anxiety, excessive sweating, and intolerance to heat are symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

This home test alone cannot completely diagnose the disease. It only helps detect changes outside the neck. Therefore, if you experience any symptoms or swelling in the neck, you should consult a doctor immediately. Get blood tests like TSH, T3, and T4 done and get the appropriate treatment.

PC: Rajasthan Khabre