How healthy is your thyroid gland?

International Thyroid Awareness Week (ITAW) is from May 25 to 31 every year.

This year it was dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of thyroid disease on the quality of life if the condition is undiagnosed or not treated.

Thyroid disorders are common and maintaining a healthy thyroid gland is important.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck, wrapped around the windpipe.

The thyroid gland produces hormones that affect growth and development and regulate the body’s metabolism.

An estimation of 200 million people worldwide is affected by thyroid disorders.

Symptoms can be wide-ranging and can have a debilitating effect on your life.

There are two main types of thyroid disease. When the thyroid is overreactive and produces too much thyroid hormones, this can result in a condition called hyperthyroidism.

When the thyroid is underactive, it is hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism commonly occurs due to autoimmune damage of the thyroid gland. It can also arise as a consequence of iodine deficiency or radiation exposure.

One of the main risk factors for developing a thyroid disorder lies in your genes. Researchers have discovered most thyroid disorders are influenced by your genetics.

International Thyroid Awareness Week raises greater awareness of the genetic links to thyroid disorders to support thyroid health.

What should you do if you have a family history of thyroid disease or feeling unwell?

Some ways thyroid disorders can impact your health and well-being include fatigue, muscle weakness, sleep issues, anxiety, depression, problems with vision and menstrual cycle issues.

The head of endocrinology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and a specialist in thyroid disease, Dr Sindeep Bhana said, “The loss of the outer third of the eyebrows, particularly in women, is the only symptom that is truly specific to thyroid disease.”

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Check your symptoms at https://www.thyroidaware.com/en/symptom-checker/

How is a thyroid disorder diagnosed?

The most definitive way to diagnose a possible thyroid disorder is through a thyroid function test done through a blood test which is analysed for certain levels of thyroid hormones.

Bhana strongly recommends a thyroid function test for young women who are experiencing menstrual problems, have a history of miscarriage or are not falling pregnant.

“Children who are not growing and are falling behind in school and people with a goitre – a fullness in the neck that is a sign of an enlarged thyroid – who have a family history of thyroid disease, should also get tested,” said Bhana.

Although thyroid disease has a strong genetic influence, no genetic test is currently available.

The sooner a thyroid disorder is diagnosed, the better. This ensures those affected can receive the correct care, including treatment where appropriate.

What should you do if you have been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder?

Your doctor will explain the various options to help manage a potential thyroid disorder.

It is also worth discussing your diagnosis with your family members, so they can better understand them, increase their awareness of possible signs and symptoms, and encourage them to get tested where they have concerns.

Good communication between you, your family and your doctor will ultimately lead to better treatment outcomes and enable you to live a better quality of life.

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