How to Do a Self Thyroid Exam

The thyroid gland is small and located in the hollow of your neck, in the form of a butterfly. It is also involved in managing many significant things in your body, for instance your development process, your emotions, and even the metabolism. Occasionally the thyroid is not quite right and a doctor may want to make a check through it. But do you know you can do a simple thyroid check on your own? Let’s learn how may a self exam on thyroid be done in a few simple processes:

Source: RMH Animations

What Is the Thyroid?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck-right below the little blob you can feel when you swallow known as Adam’s apple. But despite its size, it’s a part of your body that is incredibly significant! It secretes chemicals known as hormones, similar to communication between your body that alerts it on what to do. These hormones regulate activities in the body such as the rate of heartbeat, or hunger signals which indeed work a bit like a pulse.

Why Would We Check the Thyroid?

Occasionally, this gland can become enlarged or consist of nodules, which are lumps. Most of these lumps are one can say benign there is no reason for the doctor not to examine them. Depending on the size or the presence of lumps, thyroid may be overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). This means simple checks in the shower or at home and if you see changes, you can discuss them with their doctor.

Things to be Done in a Self Thyroid Exam

You can even check your thyroid right from the comfort of your home. All you require is a mirror, a glass of water and a lighted room. We’ll go with it by steps!

Step 1: Remember to look for a mirror and good lighting

Find an appropriate position and place in front of the mirror with a source of light. A bathroom mirror works well. After that have the clients stand and ensure they can see their neck in the mirror when standing tall.

Step 2: Locate Your Thyroid Gland

Locate on the anterior aspect of the neck, at the level of the thyroid cartilage stating at the base of the neck and somewhat above your collar line. That is where a thyroid gland is found. You may not notice the change yet, but that is alright. They are small, especially if they are new and their scale may not allow anyone to notice them in case they have developed one.

Step 3: It’s so hot, let just take a sip of water and swallow it.

You should also spit on your hands, but men gently swallow a little water to wet your throat. Look at reflection in the mirror and closely focus on the movement of your neck when you swallow. The thyroid cartilage and cricoid cartilage, in your throat will move up and down while swallowing. Take time to examine this part of the body to feel whether there is any form of mass on it.

Step 4: Check for Lumps or Swelling

Whenever you swallow – pay close attention to see if there any lump, breast buds or swelling on your throat. If there is a lump in your throat, shifting, possibly with the movement of swallowing – this is worth telling a doctor about. Look for other symptoms too as this may be a sign that the thyroid gland is swollen.

What to Expect During Thyroid Exam

Here’s a list of things you should look for while doing your thyroid exam:

• Burning sensation in the cheeks, hives that come together to swallow food, cannot see lumps or masses.
• Swelling around the neck area
• Soreness or even pain when one touches the neck.

When to Talk to a Doctor

You don’t need to worry if there isn’t anything obvious. However, if a person finds out that a lump appears, she or he is feeling pain in her/his neck or experiencing such changes as a puffy neck, it is better to consult a doctor. They might do some more to rule out that your thyroid is fine and that there is nothing wrong with you.

Body Symptoms that may Call for Doctor Visit

• Crashing a lot with no idea of why one is tired.
• Sometimes you gain weight or you can lose weight despite the fact that you eat normally.
• Feeling too hot or too cold
• Strange feelings such as feeling down or worried

The latter can sometimes mean that your thyroid is not functioning properly in terms of normal functioning. Your doctor can run some tests to see whether your thyroid requires any assistance at all.

What If You Find Something Unusual?

I know that some of you may think that you feel a swelling or a lump somewhere in your body. It doesn’t always mean that there is something wrong all the time. It is definitely fine just let some adult know and maybe make an appointment and see a doctor. In some cases the thyroid may change due to factors such as infections and at other times it is just the body; meaning genetics.

Tips for a Good Thyroid Exam

• Repeat the test a few times: Getting it wrong the first time is not a big deal. Take the exam two or three times to feel like a pro.
• Relax: To view it best make sure your neck is as loose as when you swallow, then the item will be as visible and clear as you want.
• Ask for help: Sometimes you may not be very sure of what you see, therefore seek the assistance of an adult. They can also look at your neck to try and establish whether or not they notice any irregularity.

Conclusion

A self thyroid exam is simple, takes a short time and it can make you closely monitor your health. The thyroid gland may be small but it is very significant in the body hence the need to look after it. Well now you know how to check your thyroid and the various signs you have to look for. If one day you discover any of these symptoms, let an adult know or seek the advice of a doctor. It is always good to maintain health by regular checkups, even if this is one of the smallest tests you can ever come across.