Your thyroid gland influences almost every cell and organ in your body because its general function is to control your metabolism. If your thyroid is functioning correctly, your metabolism should be normal. If your thyroid is working too hard, your metabolism is too high, and the result can be anything from an increased body temperature to an elevated heart rate. When your thyroid function drops below normal, so does your metabolism -- you may gain weight, feel tired, and experience digestive problems and depression. Anyone who wants to understand the big role of the little gland in the front of the neck can look to Thyroid For Dummies for a common sense approach to figuring out * Causes of thyroid conditions * Symptoms related to thyroid problems * Treatment options * Consequences of going without treatment * Ways to help a loved one get back to the best of health Realizing the importance of a healthy thyroid and identifying an unhappy thyroid are basics in managing one of the more common diseases in the world. Research has indicated that thyroid disease affects more than 200 million people worldwide. With Thyroid For Dummies, you can * Explore how the thyroid dysfunction influences your mood. * Determine the size, shape, and content of your thyroid gland. * Understand what's happening when your thyroid works overtime or slacks off. * Discover whether you're at risk. * Look at the latest developments in diagnosis and treatment. * Clarify the thyroid-weight connection. * Deal with thyroid conditions in children. About half (perhaps even more) of all the people with thyroid disorders are undiagnosed. The American Thyroid Association and other experts recommend that thyroid testing begin at age 35 and continue every 5 years thereafter. Thyroid For Dummies can help you separate fact from fiction about thyroid function, testing, and treatment. With this reader-friendly guide, you're bound to build appreciation for the small-scale gland that's a major contributor to your overall physical and mental health.