Thyroid Awareness January Post Lawley Insurance

Understand Thyroid Disease For Thyroid Awareness Month

About 20 million Americans suffer from thyroid disease, and approximately 13 million more are currently undiagnosed. Through the month of January we direct our focus on teaching others about this disease.

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple and right above the collarbone, surrounding the windpipe. The thyroid helps control the function of many of the body’s organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin, but it mostly helps to set the metabolism.

There are two different types of thyroid disease and they each affect the body very differently. The two types are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism

This disease refers to an overactive thyroid gland, which produces too much thyroid hormone. The symptoms include:

  • Goiters
  • Enlarged thyroid
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Nervous, anxious or irritable behavior
  • Trembling hands
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Heat intolerance
  • Increased sweating
  • Hair loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Sleeplessness
  • Decreased menstrual flow or impaired fertility

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces less than the normal amount of thyroid hormone, resulting in the decrease of many bodily functions. When the metabolism slows due to hypothyroidism, the following may occur:

  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Dry skin and hair
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Increased cholesterol
  • Intolerance to cold
  • Constipation
  • A heavier menstrual flow

Thyroid Risk Factors

The risk factors for thyroid disease include:

  • Being female – Women are five to eight times more likely to suffer from a thyroid disorder than men are
  • Age – The Thyroid Foundation of America recommends that women get annual thyroid hormone level tests yearly starting at age 50; men should as well beginning at age 60
  • Family history – If the disease runs in the family, testing every five years after age 35 is recommended
  • Pregnancy – Thyroid conditions can arise after giving birth

Thyroid Disease Treatment

Treatment for hyperthyroidism usually includes prescription drugs, radioactive iodine therapy and/or surgery. Hypothyroidism tends to be treated most effectively with a prescription thyroid replacement hormone.

It is estimated that more than 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime.

To learn more information about other health and wellness topics, talk with our corporate wellness team or stay up-to-date on wellness tips and news by subscribing to our newsletters.

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