Have you discussed your thyroid health with your provider? If not, you should.

The butterfly-shaped gland that sits low on the front of the neck produces thyroid hormones, which control many activities in your body, including your metabolism and body temperature.

Diseases of the thyroid cause it to make either too much or too little of the hormone. Depending on how much or how little hormone your thyroid makes, you may often feel restless or tired, or you may lose or gain weight. Women are more likely than men to have thyroid diseases, especially right after pregnancy and after menopause.

Below are five thyroid related questions you should ask your doctor at your next visit:

1. Can you explain the major functions of the thyroid gland?

2. Should I be worried about my thyroid? What are the symptoms of thyroid disease?

3. What are the differences between hypothyroid and hyperthyroid patients and what are the symptoms of each?

4. What is thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), how is it measured, and what should my target number be?

5. What else besides TSH levels are important for making sure my thyroid condition is under control?

Be sure to see your doctor for your yearly check-up to get your thyroid checked. If you need help finding a doctor, click here.