Thyroid Condition Description: Inadequate or excessive production of thyroid hormones stimulates vital processes in every part of the body -- growth, use of energy, heat production, fertility, the body's use of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, electrolytes, and water, and regulation of the immune response in the intestine. Symptoms: Fatigue, cold sensitivity, muscle and joint aches, weight gain, diminished appetite, constipation, rough and dry skin, coarsened hair, impaired mental activity, and depression. Number of Americans diagnosed: Some 20 million Americans are afflicted, occurring mostly in women over age 60. Long-term problems/treatments: If untreated, physical changes can develop, including a round puffy face with a sleepy appearance, dry rough skin, and loss of hair. Other later symptoms include a husky voice; numbness in arms and legs; muscle pain and weakness, in some cases causing carpal tunnel syndrome; hearing loss; and obstructive sleep apnea. Directory List Choose an illness from the menu below: Select here Allergies Alzheimer's disease Arthritis Asthma Bipolar disorder Chronic back problems Chronic bronchitis Chronic obstructive        pulmonary disease Cirrhosis Depression Developmental disabilities Diabetes Emphysema Endometriosis Epilepsy Glaucoma Hearing impairment Heart disease Hepatitis C High blood pressure Human Immunodeficiency        Virus (HIV) Kidney disease Lou Gehrig's disease Lupus Lyme disease Migraine Multiple sclerosis Muscular Dystrophy Orthopedic Impairments Osteoporosis Paralysis of the extremities Parkinson's disease Psoriasis Schizophrenia Sinusitis Stroke Thyroid condition         Previous      Next Resources American Thyroid Association Thyroid-Info FocusOnThyroid.com Home | Awareness | Patient Files | The Challenge | Your Stories | Outreach | Resources About the Program | About Fred Friendly Seminars | Our Partners | Site Map | Credits © 2001 Fred Friendly Seminars, Inc.