January 2012: Thyroid awareness month
January is the thyroid awareness month.
 The thyroid is small organ shaped as a butterfly located below the Adam's apple; it has an essential role in our well-being. The thyroid gland weighs 10 to 20 grams in normal American adults, slightly larger for males than females.
Thyroid hormones affect the function of virtually every organ of the body. Iodine intake is essential for the normal function of the gland. Seafood, seaweed and some vegetables are rich in iodine but commercial salts also contain iodine.
Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) is much more common in females (5 to 8 times) and most patients will have a goiter (lump at lower neck). Common symptoms include fatigue, feeling cold (cold intolerance), constipation, some weight gain, muscle pains, irregular menstruation etc. Erectile dysfunction, decreased sexual drive can also be caused by low thyroid function.
Typically, hyperthyroidism (high thyroid function) symptoms include weight loss, heat intolerance, tremor, palpitations, anxiety, diarrhea, shortness of breath, etc. Heart rate can also be increased, a problem called atrial fibrillation. Others symptoms may include irritability, restlessness, insomnia, emotional lability. Thyroid problems can often be misdiagnosed as psychiatric illness.
An estimated number of 30 millions Americans may have thyroid problems, but, apparently half remain undiagnosed and untreated. The good news is that once a thyroid disorder is diagnosed it can usually be successfully treated. Patients are able to resume a healthy lifestyle without many restrictions. Increasing awareness and understanding of thyroid dysfunction and its symptoms is the first step to being diagnosed.
The blue peasly ribbon is meant to be the equivalent of the pink ribbon (breast cancer) for thyroid awareness.
Health care providers and patients need to keep thyroid function in mind as it has tremendous influence on our overall health well being.
visit thyroidawareness.com for more info.
AMHE-NJ January 2012 |
