Raising awareness over thyroid problems

Dr Steve Tomlinson of
Chrissie Tomlinson
Memorial Hospital

Monday,  January 16, 2006

In support of Thyroid Disease Awareness Month, this common, yet often undiagnosed condition was the topic of discussion at a free health education session held last Thursday, by Dr. Steve Tomlinson at The Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital.

“Thyroid disorders are usually treatable, however, untreated thyroid disease can produce serious results in other parts of the body. Understanding more about the thyroid, and the symptoms that occur when something goes wrong with this small gland, can help you protect or regain good health,” said Dr. Tomlinson.

According to Dr. Tomlinson, the thyroid gland is a small gland at the base of the neck. It weighs only about 25 grams, yet the hormones it secretes are essential to all growth and metabolism. The gland is a regulator of all body functions.

“There are many types of thyroid disease, however the most common conditions are Hypothyroidism (thyroid under activity) and Hyperthyroidism (thyroid over activity). Thyroid disease is of particular concern to women, who are five to eight times more likely than men to be diagnosed with the condition”.

According to the American Thyroid Association (AACE) nearly one out of 50 women in the U.S. is diagnosed with hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) during pregnancy, and six out of every 100 miscarriages can be associated with thyroid deficiency during pregnancy. 

The elderly are also at increased risk for the disease - by age 60, as many as 17 percent of women and nine percent of men have an under active thyroid. 

“There may be emotional reactions to thyroid illness”, explained Dr. Tomlinson. “Hyperthyroid patients often feel unusually nervous or irritable. Hypothyroid patients can feel unusual fatigue or depression. It is important for thyroid patients and their families to understand that these reactions are common and likely to resolve with treatment. It is also important to realize that some thyroid disorders develop very gradually.

“Since symptoms may not be easily recognized at first, subtle reactions in emotions or behaviour may be the only visible signs of thyroid disorder in the beginning stages”.

According to AACE guidelines, patients need to be screened for thyroid disease with a TSH test once they reach 35, or if they present with any symptoms or risk factors associated with thyroid disease such as fatigue, mood swings, forgetfulness, weight gain, depression, and dry, coarse skin and hair. Once diagnosed with thyroid disease, a TSH test should be conducted regularly for optimal observation of treatment.

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