Have you or maybe a loved one complained you can’t lose weight due to a “thyroid problem”? Ask anyone at your next cocktail party what your thyroid actually does and I bet only a handful of folks could even answer the question. Experts suspect up to 59 million Americans suffer from some type of thyroid condition and it is 7 times more likely to affect women than men. Below are a few factoids on one of the smallest (but most vital) organs in your body. Where - your thyroid is butter-fly shaped gland in your neck. It wraps around your trachea (AKA “windpipe”) and sits below and behind your Adam’s apple.What it does - your thyroid is responsible for producing several hormones- two of which are necessary for normal metabolism: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones help get oxygen into the cells. Thyroid cells are the only type in the body that can absorb iodine- a mineral found in food and iodized table salt. Iodine combines with tyrosine (an amino acid), then the thyroid converts the iodine/tyrosine into T3 and T4. Approximately 80% of thyroid hormone produced is T4 and the other 20% is T3. T3 is more metabolically active- meaning it converts oxygen and calories from food into energy. T4 can be converted to T3 by other tissues of the body, including the hypothalamus- a gland in your brain. Your thyroid is needed for normal growth, sexual maturation and metabolism.The hypothalamus secretes thyrotropin-releasing hormone, which tells your pituitary gland to release TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). TSH in turn signals the thyroid to make hormones and secrete them in your bloodstream.What is “hypothyroidism”? Hypothryoidism is a condition of underactive thyroid function and is common in women of reproductive age. Common symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, decreased libido, constipation, depression, hair loss and infertility. If your thyroid is underactive, your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level will be higher than normal because your body is trying to stimulate your thyroid to produce more T3. Left untreated, hypothyroidism may lead to diabetes, obesity, infertility and heart failure. Continuing thyroid medication during pregnancy is extremely important for a healthy baby.Hyperthyroidism - when the thyroid goes haywire. Hyperthyroidism is caused by an overactive thyroid gland. Symptoms include unintentional weight loss, bulging eyes, goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), insomnia, shortness of breath, nervousness, increased heart rate and alterations in menstrual cycle. Failure to treat hyperthyroidism may cause atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart beat), high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and even heart attack. Osteoporosis is also a risk factor due to altered calcium metabolism and absorption.How are thyroid conditions treated? If you suspect you may have a thyroid condition, see your doctor. He or she will do blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels as well as getting a detailed history of your symptoms. Some patients may be referred to an endocrinologist- a doctor specializing in metabolism and conditions of the endocrine system. Typically medications and blood work is needed long term after a thyroid condition is diagnosed. Radioactive iodine therapy may also be employed for thyroid conditions.For information on food (and beverages) that boost your metabolism, check out Quick Bites this month!