The most prevalent thyroid gland disorders are hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and thyroid nodules. Hyperthyroidism means there is an excess of thyroid hormone which causes your metabolism to speed up. The heart rate increases, muscles can become weak and hands can begin to shake with a tremor. Bowel movements can be more frequent and many people feel a sense of agitation or anxiety.
Hypothyroidism is a lack or deficiency of thyroid hormone.
This lack of thyroid hormone makes most of the body's organs slow down their function. The heart rate slows, muscles become slow and weak and often ache, bowels become constipated and people feel less energetic. A thyroid nodule is an enlarged area or lump of tissue. Thyroid nodules are surprisingly common and exactly how common depends on how hard one looks for them. The thyroid gland is important because it produces thyroid hormones that are necessary for the normal function of virtually all organs in the body.