The American Thyroid Association estimates up to 60 percent of people with thyroid disease have no idea something is wrong. It is possible to live a normal and fulfilling life even with a thyroid disease, and early detection can lead to that much quicker for many people. Here is what you need to know about the hormone-producing gland that regulates your metabolism and impacts nearly every cell in your body.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the lower neck just below the Adam’s apple. Its job is to produce hormones that help control how your body uses energy, regulates your mood, and how the body functions. Thyroid hormones have a direct impact on how fast or slow many parts of your body work. When there is too much thyroid hormone, or not enough, it affects how your heart beats, how your digestive system breaks down food, how your muscles work, and how your brain processes information.
When the thyroid is underactive, a condition known as hypothyroidism, it does not produce enough hormones. Conversely, if the thyroid is overactive, referred to as hyperthyroidism, it makes too much thyroid hormone. This imbalance can cause significant symptoms, including:
Both conditions are diagnosed with blood tests, including the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test. Imaging studies may also be recommended to aid in diagnosis.
Thyroid nodules are lumps that appear in the gland. They may be felt on a routine exam or found during a diagnostic test like an ultrasound. Nodules are found in up to 50 percent of adults over age 60, and depending on the characteristics of nodules, your doctor may recommend routine monitoring. While most nodules are harmless, some can be cancerous. Over the past few decades, the number of people diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the U.S. has tripled. However, thyroid cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer.
Once it is identified, thyroid dysregulation can be well managed. Medications are available to balance hormones with little side effects. They can also replace the thyroid function entirely if the thyroid has been surgically removed.
Hypothyroidism is usually treated by taking a daily hormone replacement tablet that replaces the amount of hormone that your thyroid is not making. Dosages are individualized and adjusted according to your lab results to achieve a normal TSH level for you. It’s important to take your thyroid medication as prescribed in the morning, separated properly from food and other drugs and supplements.
The treatment of hyperthyroidism depends on the cause and the individual patient. Treatments used in the management of hyperthyroidism include medications, radioactive iodine, radiofrequency ablation, or thyroid surgery.
An estimated 20 million Americans have some type of thyroid disease, yet 60% of the estimated 20 million Americans with thyroid dysfunction are unaware of their condition. It can occur at any age and the cause varies. Women are five to eight times more likely to develop thyroid disease than men.
With proper diagnosis, thyroid disease can be successfully treated. As part of Thyroid Awareness Month, we encourage you to take the thyroid neck check below:
If you suspect you have thyroid disease, talk openly with your doctor or advanced practice provider about your symptoms and any concerns or questions you have. Through these conversations and shared decision-making, you can work together to find the best treatment plan for you.