Do you need to tame your thyroid? When the thyroid gland is under- or overactive, it may cause pesky symptoms - but they're easy to correct

So you just had a baby -- you're supposed to feel exhausted, right? And feeling worn out is just part of the deal when you get older -- right?

Wrong. No one is "supposed" to feel tired all the time, but if you are, local endocrinologists say a thyroid condition could be the culprit.

An estimated 60 million Americans have thyroid conditions, and women are five to eight times more likely than men to have a thyroid dysfunction, says Dr. Ahmed Sheikh, an endocrinologist at Saint Francis Medical Center.

"The thyroid is important for metabolic function, for the bowels to move properly, for the heart to beat properly, and for mood and sleep patterns," he says. "It's really important for metabolism and the way you burn your food."

That's a big role for the small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. When examining the thyroid, doctors consider both structure and function.

Woman feeling glands

Structurally, you may be able to feel a lump in the neck area or see the lump move up and down when you swallow, say Dr. Darren Allcock and Dr. Wu Wen, endocrinologists at Southeast Endocrinology. Functionally, your symptoms likely fall into one of two categories: hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms may include difficulty sleeping, feeling anxious, diarrhea or frequent stools, scant menstrual periods, tremors and a racing heartbeat.

Over time, an overactive thyroid makes the heart work harder and can result in a predisposition for heart disorders and rhythm issues and osteoporosis, says Allcock.

An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms may include feeling tired and run down without any explanation, hypersomina (sleeping too much), weight gain, heavy menstrual periods, constipation, dry skin, depression and constantly feeling cold when others are warm.

"For most people it's a matter of chronically feeling bad," says Allcock of the long-term effects of hypothyroidism, which is by far the more common thyroid disorder. In extremely rare cases, the body system could ultimately shut down and land you in a coma, he says.

Thyroid conditions are usually hereditary, but they are also common in women during or after pregnancy, says Sheikh. He recommends adding a thyroid screening to your regular lab work beginning at age 30, and then every five years. Screenings may also be advised for women during pregnancy.

Treatment for a thyroid condition begins with a structural exam, which may include an ultrasound or biopsy, says Allcock. Hypothyroidism is easily treated by thyroid hormone replacement, while hyperthyroidism can be treated with medications or possibly removing part of the thyroid gland.

Thyroid troubles rarely turn out to be cancer. Sheikh says symptoms of thyroid cancer are not specific, but may include neck pressure, difficulty swallowing, voice changes and a choking sensation.

"Thyroid cancer is not usually associated with thyroid dysfunction (high or low levels)," he adds.

Allcock is aware of supplements that claim to improve thyroid health, but says to steer clear of them, as they may do more harm than good. Instead, if you have concerns about a thyroid condition, speak with your family doctor.

Cutline:black and white portrait of a doctor checking a patients throat glands (Cutline Email/Stock:Photo credit goes here)

"Thyroid conditions are easy to fix, and the benefits (of treatment) definitely, definitely outweigh any potential risks," says Wen.