Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Endocrinologist · Endocrinology
When you don't have a thyroid, it means either you've had it surgically removed or it's not working properly. The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that produces hormones that regulate your metabolism, energy levels, and many other important functions in your body.
Without a thyroid, your body can't produce these hormones naturally, so you'll need to take replacement hormones every day to keep everything balanced. Otherwise, you might feel tired all the time, gain weight easily, have trouble regulating your body temperature, and even experience changes in your mood and mental sharpness.
It's manageable with medication, but it does mean you'll need to be extra careful about taking your medication consistently and getting regular check-ups to make sure everything stays on track.
