Simply too tired to move? No energy? Or is it just the opposite? Mind and body racing too fast. Too nervous to get anything done and simply cannot get to sleep. Hold on! Both of these physical and mental states may come from the same origin. And there is excellent treatment.

The thyroid gland is located in the bottom part of the neck and is responsible for the body's "metabolism," better known as energy level. Three to five percent of the population suffers from thyroid disease and many of the cases are borderline or "subclinical," making the diagnosis more difficult.

An underactive thyoid gland is labeled hypothyroidism. Symptoms include:
1. Fatigue: No energy and you want to sleep all the time.
2. Hoarseness: Gravely voice and slow speech.
3. Dry skin and puffy face: the skin is dry and rough. Puffy eyes and cheeks are common.
4. Cold intolerance: Need more clothes, and cold weather bothers you more than other people.
5. Heavy menstrual flow: a heavy flow for three months or more may indicate hypothyroidism.
6. Constipation: Bowels are sluggish.
One symptom alone does not mean a strong likelihood of hypothyroidism. On the other hand, if the symptoms begin to accumulate, an underactive thyroid may be the cause. Your doctor can make an easy diagnosis with a blood test called "TSH", and treatment with thyroid hormone replacement is simple and effective.

An overactive thyroid gland is called hyperthyroidism, and as you might have imagined, the symptoms are predominantly the opposite of hypothyroidism. In hyperthyroidism, symptoms include:
1. Palpitations: The heart may flutter or race.
2. Heat intolerance: Always hot and too many clothes are simply uncomfortable.
3. Insomnia: Difficult time going to sleep and staying asleep.
4. Fast speech: Talking rapidly and frequently.

Other signs of an overactive thyroid include:
1. Trembling hands.
2. Warm moist skin.
3. Fine hair.
4. Bulging eyeballs and a stare.

If signs and symptoms seem to come together, the diagnosis is with the same blood test ("TSH"), and treatment can be with surgery or medication.

So maybe you need to slow down. Or maybe you need to speed up. And if you are not sure what to do, maybe you should have your doctor check the status of your thyroid. You may be surprised. And the treatment may change your life.

Dr. Robert Overholt has been in private practice for more than 30 years. He is the host of the television program "The Dr. Bob Show" airing weekly in 13 million homes on the Goodlife Television Network. If you have a question for Dr. Bob, write "The Dr. Bob Show" at 6700 Baum Drive, Suite 1, Knoxville, TN 37919 or send your e-mail to letters@drbobshow.com.