Is Your Thyroid in Trouble?

— May 12, 2013

There is a quiet epidemic spreading worldwide affecting 200 million people and 4 to 7 times more women than men. A small gland at the base of your neck regulates how your cells and organs use energy and if it’s not working properly that means trouble.

The two most common thyroid conditions are hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid).

Hypothyroidism

Who: Those most affected by hypothyroidism are newborns, the elderly and women. Also, women who have just given birth can also develop the condition, usually temporarily.
What: Hypothyroidism is when the body slows down because the thyroid isn’t producing enough of the hormones crucial for regulating growth, metabolism and development.
Why: The autoimmune disease Hashimoto Thyroiditis, a lack of iodine and deficiencies in protein, magnesium or zinc are some of the causes of hypothyroidism.
How: Hypothyroidism affects the body in these ways: weak muscles, slow heart beat, constant fatigue, depression, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, poor concentration and memory, constipation, goiter (increased size of thyroid), longer menstruation and fertility problems.

Hyperthyroidism

Who: One in 100 Canadians is affected by hyperthyroidism, and among those, people who have a history of thyroid problems in their family and young women are most at risk.
What: Hyperthyroidism is when the body produces an excess of thyroid hormones that send the body’s functions into overdrive.
Why: Genetics, Graves Disease (autoimmune), lumps on the thyroid gland and the wrong dose of drugs that treat hypothyroidism can cause hyperthyroidism.
How: Hyperthyroidism affects the body in these ways: rapid heart beat, shakiness, weak muscles, weight loss, anxiety, irritability, heat intolerance, diarrhea, goiter, bone loss and eye problems.

Millions of thyroid conditions aren’t caught or are misdiagnosed. Hypothyroidism is often mistaken for depression, obesity or menopause, while hyperthyroidism is mistaken for an eating disorder, anxiety or stress. A blood test can easily show your thyroid might be the culprit and from there more specific tests can be performed; necessary as treatment for thyroid conditions, though often just a pill a day, is life long.

Have you had your thyroid checked lately?

For more information, visit the Thyroid Foundation of Canada:

http://www.thyroid.ca/index.php