According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction can put individuals at risk for a number of serious health conditions including, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and infertility. Although extremely rare, if left untreated, certain conditions such as hypothyroidism can even lead to life threatening conditions including “myxedema” a comatose state due to a slowdown in metabolism.

The ATA predicts that more than 12 percent of Americans will develop a thyroid condition in their lifetime.^[1] Fortunately, most disorders respond positively to treatment interventions.

Who needs thyroid testing?—Why Women are Vulnerable

While thyroid disorders affect both men and women at different times in their life, studies indicate that females are actually 5 to 8 more times likely to suffer from thyroid dysfunction than their male counterparts. This means that 1 in every 8 women will develop some type of thyroid disorder in her lifetime.^[1]

While it is not known for sure why women are more susceptible to thyroid dysfunction, some scientists theorize that women’s hormonal systems are more complex than men’s, and are therefore more readily affected by xeno-estrogens (false estrogens) found in the environment. Xeno-estrogens are chemicals found in many products including, plastics and pesticides. These tend to mimic naturally produced hormones in women and have the potential to greatly disrupt the female endocrine system. This is due, in part, to the large numbers of estrogen receptors found in the female body. Women also have more problems with yeast and candida infections that can contribute to endocrine imbalances.

It is also possible that more women than men seek treatment for thyroid dysfunction because of female-related symptoms. Women notice changes in their menstrual cycles such as, unusually light flow, heavy flow, or the absence of a period altogether. Women may also have difficulty getting pregnant, because ovulation is irregular. Some may also develop thyroid problems during a pregnancy.^[3]

What does the thyroid do?

The thyroid gland primarily regulates metabolism, however, it impacts most of the body’s organs in some way. Weighing no more than 18 ½ grams for men, and 14 ½ grams for women, the thyroid plays an important role in the body’s endocrine system. By converting iodine, found in many foods, the thyroid releases hormones, commonly referred to as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) into the bloodstream.^[4][5]

Thyroid hormone affects:

• Brain development
• Breathing
• Heart function
• Nervous system function
• Body temperature
• Strength of muscles
• Dryness of skin
• Weight
• Menstrual cycles
• Cholesterol levels
• Mood

Types of Thyroid Disorders

There are two types of thyroid disorders in general; those that cause abnormal function, and those that are from abnormal growths in the gland itself. Though they can certainly affect younger people, thyroid disorders are most common in older adults. Disorders involving function are very often caused from over or under production of thyroid hormone, while growth disorders usually involve either benign nodules, or thyroid cancers. While benign nodules are much more common than cancerous growths, malignant thyroid tumors are still 90% treatable with the right medical interventions.^[2]

Hypothyroidism (under-production of thyroid hormone) in the U.S. is most often caused by Hashimoto’s disease. This occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid by mistake, damaging its ability to make enough thyroid hormone.

Hypothyroidism can develop slowly and may create symptoms including:

• Fatigue
• Feeling cold
• Constipation
• Weak muscles
• Weight gain
• Joint pain
• Depression
• Dry skin
• Dry hair
• Slow heart rate
• Less sweating
• Puffy face
• Hoarse voice
• Heavy period
• High (bad) cholesterol^[3]

Testing for Thyroid Disorders

Blood and imaging tests can be used to detect and diagnose thyroid conditions.

Blood Tests

• TSH—Thyroid-stimulating hormone accurately measures the amount of hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
• T3 and T4—Measures T3 and T4 thyroid levels.
• TSI—Measures thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin.
• Antithyroid antibody test—Measures markers in the blood, known as antibodies.
• T3 Uptake—Measures proteins in the blood that carry thyroid hormones.
• Free Thyroxine (T4) Index—Compares free T4 to protein bound T4.
• Reverse T3—Measures Reverse T3, produced sometimes when the body is under stress.

Tests can be ordered by a physician and performed at a laboratory or taken at home using an approved home test collection kit.

Imaging Tests

CT scans, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine tests all provide images of the thyroid gland. Shape, size, or position of the gland can indicate causes for certain thyroid diseases, as well as identify nodules. The radioactive iodine uptake test checks thyroid function and can help determine why an individual has hyperthyroidism.^[5]

Treatment for Thyroid Disorders

Most thyroid disorders respond well to synthetic hormone replacement therapies that mimic natural thyroid hormone.

Hypothyroidism, which signifies a hormone deficiency, is successfully treated with thyroid medication. Treatment is usually ongoing.

Hyperthyroidism indicates the body is producing too much thyroid hormone. Heart rate and metabolism are most often affected. A common condition known as “Grave’s disease” involving the immune system is responsible for many cases of hyperthyroidism.

Based on the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and the cause for the condition, a physician may choose one of the following treatment options:

• Antithyroid medicine—Blocks thyroid from new thyroid hormone production.
• Beta-blockers—Temporarily block thyroid hormone effects while further treatment is explored.
• Radioiodine—Kills thyroid cells to stop over-production of hormone. May cause permanent hypothyroidism.
• Thyroid surgery—Removes some or all of the thyroid gland. May cause hypothyroidism to be permanent.

Thyroiditis involves inflammation of the thyroid due to a faulty immune system, caused by one of the following:

• Autoimmune diseases, (including type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis)
• Genetics
• Bacterial infection
• Viral infection
• Medicine
• Hashimoto’s disease
• Postpartum thyroiditis

Medication may be used to treat thyroiditis. Postpartum thyroiditis may resolve on its own several months after pregnancy.

Goiter occurs when the thyroid is greatly enlarged, causing neck swelling.

This may resolve on its own, but can also indicate a thyroid disease needs treatment. Medication or surgery to shrink the thyroid is common.

Nodules are growths on the thyroid gland that may be solid, fluid-filled, or blood-filled.

Treatment for nodules may involve surgery, radioiodine, or simple monitoring if nodules do not change.

Thyroid cancer affects cells found within thyroid tissue.

Treatment may involve surgery to remove thyroid completely, or just affected tissue. Radioiodine may be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells in the thyroid or other parts of the body.^[3]

The thyroid, responsible for so many regulatory processes within the body can become diseased or damaged for a number of reasons. While treatment outcomes are generally favorable, thyroid conditions go undiagnosed in 60% of the cases.^[1]Testing for thyroid function is a critical first step toward healing, and a healthy endocrine system. Finding an endocrinologist to manage symptoms and treat the underlying cause of thyroid dysfunction is essential.