By: Erin Moore for Body1Oprah Winfrey is talking about her recent thyroid struggles, both on her show and in her magazine, O. Thyroid conditions are relatively common in women over 50 – Oprah is 53 – and there are two main kinds: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Winfrey says she experienced both kinds, one after the other. First she felt the effects of hyperthyroidism, where her metabolism sped up and she couldn’t sleep for days. Then came the hallmark signs of hypothyroidism: tiredness, fatigue, slowed metabolism, and weight gain. Winfrey says, “my body was turning on me.” Several doctor appointments led to a diagnosis. Thyroid imbalances are treated with medications called synthroids, which replace lost hormones. Call your doctor if you suspect an over- or underactive thyroid.
The thyroid is a small gland near the base of the neck that produces two key hormones, T3 and T4, which are pumped throughout the body. All human tissues need thyroid hormones to function. Thyroid disease is autoimmune in nature; it occurs when antibodies attack the gland’s healthy tissue.
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