The Hidden Gland Holding your Health and Happiness Hostage

As a medical doctor and thyroid cancer survivor myself, I have always been aware of the need for thyroid monitoring. However, patients are continuously surprised when I order their thyroid function tests when they come to me with complaints like weight gain, fatigue, poor motivation, or depression. The thyroid is one of our largest endocrine glands that sits in the neck and regulates the level of thyroid hormone circulating in our bodies. There are a range of conditions including over-active function, under-active function, thyroid nodules and cancer, for which detection and management not only improves quality of life but may prove life-saving. Thyroid conditions are becoming increasingly common, especially in young women. Here are some of the many jobs that thyroid hormones regulate in our bodies:

• Metabolism
• Energy
• Weight maintenance
• Muscle function
• Digestion
• Concentration
• Hair loss or growth
• Reproductive and menstrual functions
• Bone strength
• Cold or heat tolerance
• Mood
• Skin health
• Circulation
• Eye health
• Heart function
• And more… (as if those aren’t enough!)

Symptoms of under-active thyroid conditions (i.e. hypothyroidism, which is commonly a result of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis- an auto-immune condition) include weight gain, goiter (enlarged thyroid gland),  fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, depression, and more. They can seriously slow you down. Over active conditions (i.e. hyperthyroidism- often caused by Graves’ disease) can cause issues like abnormal heart beats, exophthalmos (buldging eyes), anxiety, bone loss, and metabolic conditions. Thyroid cancer is one of the fastest growing diagnoses. Although many of these conditions can be relatively low risk and somewhat easily treated, it is important to know whether thyroid conditions may be holding you back from being your healthiest self. Take home message:
1. Know your risk.
Although the general population does not require regular monitoring, those at risk should ask their doctor about checking their thyroid. Risk factors include: prior thyroid condition, family history, exposure to radiation, history of autoimmune disease, mental health issues or general symptoms (as above), age over 50, smoking, some medications, over/underexposure to certain foods/minerals like iodine and soy, pregnancy.  Pregnant women are uniques at risk and require frequent monitoring to protect themselves and their babies.
2. Know the signs and symptoms.
If you feel like you are suffering from some of the issues listed above, don’t be quick to blame yourself. Considering how many functions the thyroid has, it may be worth asking the doctor whether your thyroid should be checked.
3. Don’t be scared.
Thyroid conditions can generally be treated with medications or procedures. If you are already on thyroid supplements, it is very important to take the medications as prescribed for them to be effective. If you require a surgery or a procedure, be sure to follow your doctor’s monitoring recommendations to keep yourself healthy over the long term.