Know the Warning Signs of a Thyroid Problem

According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), nearly 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, and up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease do not know of their condition.

“Undiagnosed thyroid disease can put you at risk for certain conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and infertility,” said Maria Peña, MD, Catholic Health Physician Partners Primary Care Endocrinologist. “Talk to your doctor if you are high-risk and concerned that you are showing signs of thyroid problems.”

What is thyroid disease?

The thyroid is a small gland located in the front of your neck. It creates hormones that are responsible for regulating many important processes throughout your body, including your metabolism. The way your body produces and uses energy from food is impacted when the thyroid isn’t working properly. Thyroid disease can be present at birth (congenital) or can develop over time.

What are the risk factors for thyroid disease?

“Thyroid conditions can occur in people of any age, gender or ethnic background,” said Dr. Peña. “But certain factors put you at increased risk.”

Risk factors include:

Are female. According to the ATA, women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems.
Are over the age of 60.
Have a family history of thyroid disease.
Previously underwent radiation therapy or a thyroidectomy (partial removal of the thyroid).
Take a medication high in iodine.

Certain medical conditions increase risk, including:

Lupus
Primary adrenal insufficiency
Pernicious anemia
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sjogren’s syndrome
Turner syndrome
Type 1 diabetes

What are the causes of thyroid disease?

Thyroid disease can be caused by other diseases that affect the thyroid. These diseases include:

Congenital non-functioning thyroid gland
Graves’ disease
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Iodine deficiency or surplus
Nodules (growths) in the thyroid
Postpartum thyroiditis
Thyroiditis (swelling of the thyroid gland)

What are the types of thyroid disease?

There are two main types of thyroid disease:

Hyperthyroidism. The thyroid produces too many hormones.
Hypothyroidism. The thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones.

“Both thyroid diseases can be inherited,” said Dr. Peña. “You need to be aware of the warning signs if someone in your family has thyroid disease and you are at an increased risk for developing a thyroid condition.”