Diseases, like many other things in life, come in different forms. There are the ‘aggressive ones’, which create physical symptoms, and there are the ‘silent ones’, which go unnoticed because their symptoms are so confusing. Unfortunately, thyroid illnesses fall under the latter category.
According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), 20 million Americans suffer from thyroid diseases, and up to 60% of them are unaware of their condition.
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland found just at the bottom of the neck. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland are crucial for metabolism.
Although the exact causes are largely unknown, undiagnosed thyroid diseases may put patients at risk of certain serious conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and infertility, according to the ATA. That is why January has been named Thyroid Awareness Month.
Women and Thyroid
According to the ATA, “one in eight women will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime”. Not surprisingly, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist (AACE) says that more than eight out of 10 patients with thyroid diseases are women.
“This is a disease that affects the general population, but in the case of women, the incidence is higher. Also, thyroid illnesses can affect pregnant women”, said Jorge Mestman, endocrinologist and professor at the University of Southern California (USC).
The AACE estimates that nearly one out of 50 women in the U.S. is diagnosed with a type of thyroid disease during pregnancy, and six out of every 100 miscarriages are associated with thyroid hormone deficiencies.
The symptoms for thyroid illnesses, however, can be easily confused with other minor ailments.
"Unfortunately, many people don't recognize that symptoms such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, and weight gain can be due to an undiagnosed thyroid condition. Often, however, when we go to physicians, we are told that these symptoms are related to stress, or lifestyle, or ‘normal’ for someone our age. The truth is there are millions of people who have undiagnosed thyroid conditions," said Mary Shomon, an author and active advocate of thyroid patients since 1995, when she herself was diagnosed with thyroid disease.
Hereditary Illness
If for some reason you suspect of having a thyroid illness, the first step is to check your family clinical history.
“These are family diseases. If someone in your family has suffered from them, it is important to know about it. The incidence is especially higher in patients with diabetes Type 1 or juvenile diabetes,” said Menstman.
If there’s thyroid disease or diabetes history in your family, it is important to talk with your physician.
Common Thyroid Diseases
- Hypothyroidism: A significant reduction in thyroid hormone levels. Common symptoms include fatigue, depression, forgetfulness, weight gain, and others. The probability of developing hypothyroidism increases in people aged 60 and over. Although hypothyroidism can’t be cured, medical treatment can reduce and control its symptoms.
- Hyperthyroidism (also known as Graves’ disease): An overproduction of thyroid hormones. Common symptoms include irritability, weight loss, alterations in appetite, and in women, decreased menstrual flow and impaired fertility. Patients may also exhibit anxiety, tension, impatience and, in extreme cases, may appear schizophrenic. The choice of treatment will be influenced by the patient’s age, and the type and severity of hyperthyroidism.
- Thyroid Cancer: Although most thyroid cancers do not cause any symptoms, the key sign of thyroid cancer is a lump (nodule) in the thyroid. patients with thyroid cancer experience pain in the neck, jaw or ear. According to the National Cancer Institute, Hispanics are the third racial group most affected by thyroid cancer. Overall, the chances of recovery are very good. Treatment normally involves surgery.
