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| The thyroid gland is shaped like the letter "U." The larger side parts are tucked in behind neck muscles next to the trachea (windpipe) while the middle connecting part is closer to the skin, just below the larynx (Adam's apple). It is like two walnuts connected at the bottom by an almond. The normal gland is barely palpable by a physician's hand, and then it is only the connecting part that can be felt. The production process involves uptake of iodine from the bloodstream and attachment of this mineral to a protein produced within the gland. Thyroid hormone is the body's "governor." It controls the rate of metabolism - the speed of physiologic processes and functions. There are several elements contributing to the development of Graves' disease. The metabolic speed-up associated with hyperthyroidism is easily diagnosed in younger patients who present with symptoms of weight loss, excess appetite, sweating, rapid pulse and tremor. The elderly often present with depressed mood, confusion, heart failure, irregular pulse rate and a myriad of symptoms that do not readily suggest an acceleration of metabolism. It is another reason why regular medical checkups are important for older adults. |
| Dairy Products Avoidance Hydrochloric Acid (Trial) Neural Therapy Test for DHEA Therapeutic Fasting |