January is Thyroid Awareness Month
Every January, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) promotes Thyroid Awareness Month with resources about thyroid health. The organization also raises funds to support thyroid research for prevention, treatments, and cures for thyroid diseases and cancers. In addition, Thyroid Awareness Month highlights the work of physicians, scientists, and specialists doing thyroid research, education, and patient care.
The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism. The hormones produced by your thyroid help control your body's temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. If your thyroid does not produce enough of these hormones, it can lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which can cause serious health issues if left untreated.
Our Thyroids: By the Numbers
- Women are 5-8 times more likely than men to experience thyroid problems.
- 1 in 8 women will develop a thyroid disorder in their lifetime.
- The cause of thyroid problems is largely unknown.
- Cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and infertility are serious conditions that can occur if thyroid disease goes undiagnosed.
- It is important for pregnant women to be diagnosed and treated adequately. If not, risks include miscarriage, preterm delivery, and severe developmental problems in their children.
- Most thyroid diseases are life-long and can be managed with proper medical attention.
- Thyroid nodules are very common and are present in 60-70% of middle-aged women.
- Most thyroid cancers respond to treatment, but a small percentage can be very aggressive.
Importance of Thyroid Awareness Month
The month also focuses on encouraging getting Thyroid Function Tests, thus promoting early detection and treatment. And if you are diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction, getting early treatment means a much greater likelihood of living a healthy life.
Diagnoses can be accomplished with simple blood tests. There are literally hundreds of possible symptoms, but the most common are cold hands and feet, dry skin, and unexplained weight gain. All of these can indicate hypothyroidism (not enough hormone being produced). Conversely, diarrhea and unexplained weight loss can be a sign of hyperthyroidism (too much hormone). If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, this is the perfect time to ask your doctor if you should be tested.
Screenings for Thyroid Dysfunction
There are blood tests used to measure thyroid hormones but not all are useful in all situations. The following are tests used to evaluate thyroid function.
- TSH tests measure the TSH level in the blood which is the best way to initially test thyroid function. Changes in TSH can serve as an early warning before levels become too high or too low.
- T4 tests measure T4 which is the main form of thyroid hormone circulating in the blood. Levels help determine if a patient has hypo or hyperthyroidism.
- T3 tests are useful to diagnose hyperthyroidism. People who are hyperthyroid will have an elevated T3 level.
Observing Thyroid Awareness Month
Take the thyroid neck check
Have a hand-held mirror and a glass of water handy. With the mirror in your hand, focus on the lower front area of your neck, above the collarbone, and below the voice box (larynx). This is where your thyroid gland is located. While focusing on this area, tip your head back, take a drink of water, and swallow. As you swallow, look at your neck. Check for any bulges or protrusions. (Don’t confuse Adam’s apple with the thyroid gland.) If you do see any bulges, see your physician. You may have an enlarged thyroid gland or a thyroid nodule.
Encourage family and friends to get tested
If a family member or a friend has mentioned feeling cold a lot of the time, having trouble sleeping, or having difficulty swallowing, maybe it's time to suggest they ask their doctor about thyroid dysfunction. It's all too easy to dismiss "little" issues like dry skin as being insignificant, but testing could help them find treatment quicker.
Make a donation
It's likely that you know someone who has been (or will be) impacted by thyroid dysfunction, even if it hasn't directly affected you. Celebrate your good health by making a donation to one of the many research or treatment institutions; there are most likely some in your area that would be very appreciative of your support.
Sources:
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/blog/endocrine/january-is-thyroid-awareness-month/
https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/thyroid/thyroid-awareness-month-2022