Sometimes weight loss or weight gain is not always under your control.

Sue Soto remembers very well the symptoms that caused her to see her physician where it was discovered she had a problem with her thyroid gland. "I was very lethargic, very tired, it was very difficult to get through the day. I gained some weight and I used to have headaches along with that."

Registered Nurse Lauren Wilford says that you may not realize this but for as small as it is, the thyroid gland has an enormously important job to do. "You have a thyroid gland and it controls hormones in your body, it controls all of your metabolism, heart rate and all of that. And thyroid disease is when the gland either produces too much or too little of the hormones."

Sue says, "I have an under active thyroid which is hypothyroidism and I've been taking medicine for about 10 years."

Lauren explains that based on whether it's hyper or hypo you'll get different symptoms. Those symptoms can include weight loss, nervousness and muscle tremors when the thyroid gland is too active, and weight gain, fatigue, dry skin and dry hair when the gland functions too slowly. "There's a simple lab test that can be done. TSH, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. And they should do that once people are over 35, especially women."

If you're experiencing unusual symptoms and you think your thyroid may be involved talk with your physician. Diagnosis and treatment can include hormone replacement medication, or at times, surgery may be necessary.

Thyroid conditions, if left untreated can affect your cholesteral levels, can cause heart disease, and other health issues.