January - Thyroid Disease Awareness Month
This month’s recognition of thyroid awareness aims to educate both men and women regarding thyroid health and its significance. Although women are five times more likely to develop thyroid problems than men, it can happen to anyone. It's estimated that over 30 million Americans have thyroid dysfunction, yet at least half of these cases are undiagnosed and, consequently, untreated. The thyroid gland is one of the body's most important endocrine organs. It is a two-inch-long, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, just below the thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple) and produces and releases three main hormones that affect critical body functions. Thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin. T4 and T3 are responsible for regulating metabolism, brain development, breathing, heart and nervous system functions, body temperature, muscle strength, skin dryness, menstrual cycles, weight, and cholesterol levels, while calcitonin helps control the calcium level in the blood. When the thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormone than the body needs, a condition known as hyperthyroidism develops. Conversely, hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces inadequate amounts of hormone. Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism include: Weight loss, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, fatigue or weakness, sensitivity to heat, a swollen thyroid gland, increased sweating, rapid or irregular heartbeat, hand tremors, difficulty sleeping, brittle hair and nails, eye problems, frequent bowel movements. Symptoms of Hypothyroidism include: Weight gain, fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, dry hair or hair loss, puffy face, hoarseness, joint pain, stiffness or swelling, constipation. Thyroid problems can be broken down into the following groups: (1)Thyroid nodules (mass in the thyroid); (2) Multinodular goiters (multiple nodules); (3) Diseases of thyroid function (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism; (4) Cancer. Doctors use blood, ultrasound, Thyroid scan, Radioactive iodine uptake test, or biopsy, to check your thyroid function? If you do notice something unusual in your neck or are concerned, make sure you let your provider know and make an appointment with an endocrinologist, a doctor that specializes in treating diseases caused by different glands in your body.
For more information go to these websites:
National Institutes of Health, American Thyroid Association
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/thyroid
https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-information/